Mea culpa

Civility has taken a beating in the last few days.

Although the incidents are completely unrelated, it might have begun with South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson’s outburst during President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress last week.

Heckling speakers in Congress is nothing new, but during presidential addresses, disapproval is traditionally relayed through facial expressions and body language. When the president’s remarks turned to health care and illegal aliens, Wilson couldn’t contain himself.

“You lie!” he yelled, leaving the audience stunned.

He spent the next several days apologizing for his outburst.

Kanye West joined Chris Brown on the hip-hop Mea Culpa tour. Brown’s mediocre career has been in freefall since he was arrested for beating up his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, a pop singer whose star is ascending. Brown appeared on Larry King Live recently with his mother and lawyer in an effort to salvage his celebrity. But it was an appearance without contrition; Brown talked about his responsibility, but continually distanced himself from his vicious physical attack on the young woman. “I can’t believe that happened,” he told King.

West, who has a history of self-centered, arrogant behavior, interrupted an acceptance speech by singer Taylor Swift at a televised awards program. Swift was nominated in a category with other nominees including Beyonce Knowles. West strode out on stage, took the microphone from Swift and declared that Knowles had the best video.

The next day, he appeared on an evening talk show to express remorse.

During the U.S. Open, Serena Williams took issue with the call of a line judge and threw a tantrum, menacing the judge by pointing her finger and using profanity. Williams was disqualified and fined, but there will be an investigation to determine whether further punitive measures are applicable.

Williams later apologized.

At what point does such beastly behavior become unacceptable? For that matter, when did it become acceptable? Why do we tend to give celebrities wide latitude for their spoiled behavior if they don the hair coat for the late-night talk show circuit?

It appears the tide may be turning. Social networks have been dripping with disgust over West’s inexcusable disrespect for a fellow artist, suggesting his questionable appeal is rapidly waning.

Even President Barack Obama called West “a jackass,” which is a refreshingly human reaction from the normally staid public face of the White House.

Then again, that remark wasn’t meant to be public; it was off-the-record, part of background, off-camera banter during a CNBC interview. ABC’s Terry Moran sent the comment out on Twitter — accidentally, the network claims.

Another tiresome, meaningless apology.