I read an article titled, “Encircling the Interrupters With Civility”. It started out telling us there were 57 interruptions in the June Democratic debate. We are told that cable news shows experience higher ratings when pundits talk over each other. What’s happened to civility in dialogues? It seems as though we have decided that respecting someone’s viewpoint means we support that viewpoint. We apparently think we must refute them immediately or else we will be agreeing with them. There are many groups attempting to redirect this distressing road we’ve taken. John McCain’s widow, Cindy, has launched a social media campaign urging acts of civility by citizens. Another nationwide group of volunteers offer workshops to help liberals and conservatives discuss each side’s criticisms of the other. The First Amendment Center holds events which help the public and media understand each other. The National Institute for Civil Discourse has trained thousands on how to hold civil conversations. A poll shows that 92% of people think that civility among elected officials is important. As the above-referenced article from the Christian Science Monitor states: “The candidates’ interruptions in debates could someday go the way of dueling with pistols.” I sure hope so!
"Self-denial is practical, and is not only polite to all but is pleasant to those who practice it. If one would follow the advice that one gratuitously bestows on others, this would create for one's self and for the world a destiny more grand than can issue from the brain of a dreamer." Mary Baker Eddy
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