Democratic socialists convention erupts due to 'sensory overload,' gendered pronoun usage
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)
National Convention in Georgia this weekend came to a screeching halt when one delegate formally complained of "sensory overload" from "guys" whispering in the room -- prompting another "comrade" to grab the microphone to angrily demand an immediate end to the use of "gendered language."
The back-to-back moments of impassioned hypersensitivity at the gathering of the largest
socialistorganization in the United States led to bipartisan mockery from commentators, who
compared the scene to something out of the sitcom "The Office."
"Uh, quick point of personal privilege, um guys," began one delegate, who identified himself as
James Jackson from Sacramento, and specified that he uses the "he/him" personal pronouns.
"Uh, quick point of personal privilege, um guys," began one delegate, who identified himself as
James Jackson from Sacramento, and specified that he uses the "he/him" personal pronouns.
As soon as Jackson said the word "guys," an individual in the audience could be seen becoming visibly irate in a
livestream video of the convention posted online.
"I just want to say, can we please keep the chatter to the minimum? I'm one of the people who's very, very prone to sensory overload," Jackson said. Several other delegates could be seen waving
"Jazz hands" in the air, instead of applauding, as he spoke. (Jazz hands are considered less "triggering" to those sensitive to loud sounds.)
"There's a lot of whispering and chattering going on. It's making it very difficult for me to focus. Please, I know we're all fresh and ready to go, but can we please just keep the chatter to a minimum? It's affecting my ability to focus."
"Thank you, comrade," the chair responded.
But the situation would not end so easily for the approximately 1,500 socialists gathered at the convention.
Within seconds, the individual who had appeared irritated by Jackson's words stumbled toward the microphone to yell, "Point of personal privilege! Point of personal privilege!"
"Yes?" the chair asked.
"Please do not use gendered language to address everyone!"
"OK," the chair said, seemingly flustered.
Jackson, however, would soon come back for another round.
"Quick point of privilege ONCE again!" Jackson said later in the day, before reciting rotely, "Hi, James Jackson, Sacramento DSA, he/him."
"I have ALREADY asked people to be mindful of the chatter of their comrades who are sensitive to sensory overload," Jackson said. "And that goes DOUBLE for the heckling and the hissing. It is also triggering to my anxiety. Like, being comradely isn't just for like, keeping things civil or whatever. It's so people aren't going to get triggered, and so that it doesn't affect their performance as a delegate."
Jackson said that while "your need to express yourself is important," it does not "trump" his own personal needs.
Reaction to video clips of the disruptions, which were pulled from the DSA's livestream, was unsparing.