Democratic Socialists of America Convention Interrupted over ‘Sensory Overload’ and ‘Gendered Language’

Hannah Knudsen

Triggered delegates interrupted the Democratic Socialists of America’s National Convention over the weekend, voicing complaints of “sensory overload” and “gendered language” usage.

The conference, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia, halted after a delegate announced that he was “prone to sensory overload” and could not focus with all of the “whispering and chatter” in the room.

“Uh, quick point of personal privilege, um guys,” the delegate, identified as James Jackson, said.

“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,” he explained.

“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,” he added.

The chair thanked the man, referring to him as “comrade,” and recognized another attendee, who slammed his fellow socialists for using “gendered language” when referring to the audience.

“Please do not use gendered language to address everyone!” he shouted.

It should be noted that Jackson initially referred to the audience as “guys.”

However, Jackson was not finished and eventually shouted “quick point of privilege ONCE again!” and proceeded to slam his “comrades” for failing to honor his initial request.

“I have already asked people to be mindful of the chatter of their comrades who are sensitive to sensory overload,” Jackson began before explaining that the “heckling and hissing” were triggering his anxiety.

“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,” he continued.

“Your need to express yourself is important,” he said, adding that it does not “trump” his requests.

Two prominent members of the “Squad” – both Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) – are members of the socialist organization. The organization’s Facebook page has not been shy about supporting them.

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