When Donald Trump launched his presidential campaign, pundits were instantly thrown off by his straightforward, often profane manner of speech. And it was hard to blame them — presidential candidates (and presidents themselves) almost universally speak in a way that’s not antagonistic, even if a bit firm at times.
Episodes like Trump’s beef with Megyn Kelly and other media figures shocked the establishment, mainly because few have heard a politician actually fight back when criticized.
Now, there are certainly times when the president has gone a bit overboard, but the media all too often mistakes this for a genuine threat. They’re forgetting one very important thing: Donald Trump comes from a culture where speaking like this is ridiculously common.
New Yorkers are known throughout the country for their plain-spoken, sometimes crass way of communicating. This is in complete contrast to other sub-cultures in the country, particularly the American South. While holding up the middle finger may be a legitimate challenge there or in other place like the Mid-West, most New Yorkers would barely think twice about it.
It’s also worth noting that Trump isn’t the only politician — or even the first politician — to earn this reputation. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, for example, has made a career out of yelling at journalists during press conferences. While the national media seems terrified by this behavior, it doesn’t make nearly the same amount of noise on the local scene.
America is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. And now, one of its most colorful ones has the White House as a bully pulpit.
~ Facts Not Memes
