Atone argument (also calledtone policing) is a type ofad hominem aimed at thetone of an argument instead of its factual or logical content in order to dismiss a person's argument. Ignoring the truth or falsity of a statement, a tone argument instead focuses on the emotion with which it is expressed. This is alogical fallacy because a person can be angry while still being rational.
The notion of tone policing became widespread in U.S. social activist circles by the mid-2010s. It was widely disseminated in a 2015 comic issued by the Everyday Feminism website.[1] Activists have argued that tone policing has been regularly employed againstfeminist and anti-racism advocates, criticizing the way that their opponents presented their arguments rather than engaging with the arguments themselves.[2][3][4][5]
Proponents of this viewpoint contend that these expectations tend to give preference to a specific mode of communication often associated with traits likemasculinity, high levels of education, and a detached, "rational" style of expression.[6] They argue that this emphasis on a particular communication style may inadvertently reinforce existing societal inequalities, including those rooted incolonial history,White-supremacist structures,cis-hetero-patriarchy, andcapitalist systems.[7]
Tone policing maymarginalize individuals who naturally incorporate diverse linguistic features, including frequent use offiller words such as "like" and "um," and employ vocal variety, includingvocal fry anduptalk, in their speech.[8] In the realm ofsocial justice, scholars and experts often underscore the significance of emotions, such as anger, as they are frequently associated with personal experiences ofinjustice and can serve as motivators for those engaged insocial change efforts.[9]
The proliferation ofsocial media platforms has contributed to the prevalence of tone policing in online discussions, particularly in contexts characterized by brevity andanonymity. In these digital environments, there is an increased focus on tone over substantive arguments.[10]
Psychological research has explored the potential effects of tone policing, suggesting that individuals consistently subjected to such policing can experience frustration, feelings of silencing, and self-doubt. This psychological toll can significantly deter individuals from actively participating in conversations pertaining tosocial justice matters.[11]
Additionally, it is noteworthy that educational institutions can be spaces where tone policing manifests, particularly when students advocate for change or raise concerns aboutsystemic inequalities. This may influence communication norms within academic settings.[12]
