Why indecent slogans in politics

To hit back at the opponent, political slogans have always included a few unpleasant words. For instance, the well-known chant: “Beat so-and-so with shoes, beat in rhythm.” But now, in Bangladesh, some political slogans have emerged that are extremely distasteful and vulgar. Respectable people cover their ears when they hear them. In many recent OTT films, vulgar words are muted with a “toot toot” sound. The audience understands from the “toot toot” that a swear word has been uttered. Recently, television news has also been seen using “toot toot” in place of political slogans. Such vulgar slogans are now being used that they can neither be spoken nor written.

The first appearance of swear words in slogans was during the road safety movement. Across the world, Generation Z sometimes uses swearing as part of their expression. For older generations, of course, this is uncomfortable. However, alongside other creative slogans, a touch of swearing can help convey extra anger. At this moment, their frequent use against political opponents is being seen. This is no longer a hidden, sharp weapon; it has turned from uncomfortable to irritating.

Slogans reflect the times. The anti-British movement, the Language Movement of 1952, the mass uprising of 1969, the Liberation War of 1971, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990, and the July 2024 mass uprising—all gave birth to historic slogans. During last year’s July uprising, slogans arose that powerfully inspired students and people to take to the streets to topple dictatorship. Among them were: “Bought with the blood of millions of martyrs, this country belongs to no one’s father,” “Who has come, who has come, police have come, what are they doing, what are they doing, licking the dictator’s feet,” “One two three four, Sheikh Hasina leave the chair,” “One point, one demand, dictator when will you go,” “Give life among corpses, or leave the chair”—all of these slogans were born of that movement.

But because of these recent vulgar slogans, our proud history is being overshadowed. Analysts say that when politics becomes dependent on vulgar slogans, ideals are replaced by hatred, and reason gives way to abuse. They warn that such slogans push society towards disorder and violence.

The unfortunate matter is that most of these vulgar slogans have started from the country’s highest seat of learning. This has disappointed parents and concerned citizens—if the boys and girls of the highest institution use such vulgar language, it is truly regrettable. Children and adolescents are also being influenced by these slogans. In this situation, election officials are anxious too, with the election ahead.

Analysts say slogans fall under the policy decisions of political parties. In fact, the issue of indecent or vulgar slogans is part of the culture of political conflict. Political violence affects language. Despite discussions and criticism about vulgar slogans, no effective steps are being seen to stop them.

In such circumstances, it is urgent for political parties as well as the government to take initiatives to stop vulgar slogans. Courtesy also reflects family values. One must understand that if, out of anger or excitement, a bad word slips out—especially in public and before cameras—it damages one’s own honour. There is no pride in vulgar abuse, only shame. It is desirable that this sense of shame works within everyone.