The Cuss that Cares? Paternalistic Cussing in Philippine President Rodrigo RoaDuterte’s Rhetoric
Ronald A. Pernia & Rogelio Alicor L. Panao
Abstract
This chapter offers an unconventional view of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s rhetoric by contending that his use of abusive language is a symbolic predilection by a president who is fully aware of the political implications of actions and utterances—to preach tough love to protect citizens and maintain law and order. We call this phenomenon paternalistic cussing which serves to reassure a culturally conservative constituency that privileges order, discipline, and social stability. Through a critical reexamination of Duterte’s public pronouncements, we demonstrate that although cussing has become characteristic of his particular brand of speechmaking, it seems to occur more frequently when speaking before economically and politically high-function audiences (e.g., local government officials, law enforcement officers, and overseas Filipinos) whose cooperation and agreement are necessary to legitimize the government’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs. While Duterte’s propensity to swear is intimately akin to a caring parent talking to an unwieldy child to behave in a particular manner, to a great extent this has resonated well with a national political culture that puts a premium on traditional norms of hierarchy, a collectivist mindset, and material values. Ultimately, this chapter provides a more nuanced view of Duterte other than being a vulgar strongman.
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