Politics and poetry emerge as investments in the self— self- expression, self needs, and at times, self-greed. If propaganda is a tool for politics and political poetry is a tool for public concerns, what role does decorum play in our collective discourse and what bearing does it have on our society?

Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name February 29, 2024 Decorum in Collective Discourse and Addressing Social Norms Throughout the history of 'civilized society, decorum has become the guiding idea for every human, especially when assessing the appropriateness of conduct and expression for every interaction. In other words, this concept does not only act as a 'reflector' of our values but even shapes our underlying identity and being. However, one problem with decorum or social norms is that it may be an avenue for inequality and injustice. Similar to what happened during the Nazi regime, 'social norms' have been severely manipulated, and even the underlying values of the society have been molded to the whims of those who are in power. History would show us that political and poetic forms become crucial for marginalized communities to express their struggles and challenge systemic injustices. These expressions go beyond dissent; they are about asserting identity and contesting the norms that limit visibility and legitimacy in public discourse. For example, BIPOC voices and counternarratives, in particular, confront traditional norms, offering alternative perspectives that challenge societal homogeneity and prompt a reevaluation of public discourse foundations, including decorum standards that perpetuate inequality. In the succeeding sections of this paper, I would like to show that while propaganda is a tool of politics and political poetry is usually used as a tool for dissent, decorum is usually shaped and influenced by a 'tug-of-war' between those in power and the dissenters, as compared to the misconception that it is always the 'right thing to do.' Historical Context and Definitions In order to effectively engage with the layered discussion ahead, I believe it is essential to clarify key terms foundational to our analysis. First is decorum, defined as a guide to human behavior and speech, ensuring appropriateness to context and audience. A concept related to what we may call 'social norms'. In contrast, propaganda involves spreading information to influence public opinion, regardless of its truth or falsity (Nordquist). In contrast, dissent is the expression of contrary opinions, often in response to prevailing norms. Finally, counternarratives are the ideas of paradigms that offer alternative perspectives to those dominant narratives, amplifying marginalized voices, particularly from BIPOC communities, which represent the diverse experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Moving forward from this argument, it is well-known that decorum has historically significantly influenced art and politics, promoting effective communication and social harmony. On the part of an individual, his desire to ‘comply’ with the rules of decorum would also mean that he would act in favor of it, mainly when observed by others, in fear of social ridicule or sanction. However, the problem is that this fear or anxiety against ridicule shapes his actions, regardless of whether they are morally correct or not, despite being an abstract notion that is not codified by any written law (Licht). In turn, as he does it repeatedly and others follow the same, this so-called ' decorum' becomes embedded as a social fact, which helps perpetuate injustice and inequality into something that is difficult, if not impossible, to fight against. Although proponents of this idea would support this since it helps maintain ‘appropriateness’ to fit within the society (i.e., refrain from cursing inside the church since it is considered socially unacceptable), a critical view would show that its application can also suppress dissent and maintain the status quo, especially when counternarratives or marginalized voices emerge. However, as we will discuss later, this is where the problem lies since even these norms, or what is considered right or wrong, can be shaped by those in power, as evidenced by historical accounts. The Role of Propaganda and Misinformation As mentioned earlier, the role of propaganda and misinformation has significantly evolved, shaping public opinion and societal norms. For instance, Anderson, in his work, detailed this evolution from early 20th-century print media to today's digital campaigns, noting the strategic use of emotiona...