Americans were very glad to see the recent presidential election end. We had all become utterly weary of all the name-calling and ugly political bickering. Certainly, all sides engaged to some degree in one of the ugliest political campaigns America has ever seen. What a relief that, finally, it all seems to be over.

But in terms of ugly behavior, one candidate stands out. In the South, when someone behaves atrociously, we use the word “ugly” to describe that behavior. “Ugly” has nothing to do with physical appearance; rather, it refers to displays of behavior so outside the pale that it invites general condemnation. Donald Trump’s behavior over the course of his campaign falls into this category. Donald Trump, in that Southern sense, has just been plain ugly.

Among the uglier examples of outlandish behavior was his ridiculing of a physically disabled reporter; his calling whole groups of Americans (those of Hispanic descent, and certain kinds of women, and certain religious groups) by insulting names. He outright insulted the appearance, the intelligence, the patriotism, the integrity, and even the humanity of many of his opponents and detractors, some of them in his own (Republican) party. He seemed to be all too willing to insult anyone and everyone who questioned in the slightest the imperial nature of his person. In short, Donald Trump is an ill-mannered boor, and a bully.

Now, you might be thinking “ill-mannered?” Heavens, don’t we have more important issues to deal with than rules of etiquette? But the truth is that well-mannered behavior is the oil that makes our lives bearable. No one would even think of treating people in the Trumpean way in our daily lives and social encounters. No decent person would insult others to their faces for their looks or heritage or religion. In the South, in fact, making any sort of personal comment is considered to be rude — ugly, in fact. Good manners are the daily expression of decency (that is, morality). My Southern grandmother taught me that the best guide to good manners is consideration — to act towards others in a way that shows you have considered their feelings. Someone famous once said this another way: “Do unto others …”

Mr. Trump’s grossly ill-mannered behavior makes him a social pariah. He is someone I do not care to know. If I were to meet him (however unlikely that is), I would decline to shake his hand. I would prefer to avoid his company, as someone who would be likely to treat me as badly as he has treated so many others.

Having a president whose behavior so shocks the moral conscience, so blatantly violates the norms of polite behavior, does not speak well of our country or its place in the world. As unimportant as bad manners may seem to some, wars have been started for just such minor reasons. We can only hope that the majesty of the office he will soon occupy will teach him to behave better. We might take consolation in the irrefutable truth that kindness (a kind of love) always trumps bullying and prejudice and hate.

Don Simonton

Natchez resident