Reflecting on nights filled with questions about the state of our world and the divisions within it, I have often wondered where the basic virtue of civility went. Through my personal journey and observations, I’ve come to understand the variety of reasons that lead us here. Let’s start with some definitions. . .

The Forgotten Virtue of Civility

Have you ever wondered why some civilizations thrive while others crumble? It might seem like a complex issue, but at the heart of it lies a simple virtue: civility. This word stems from the Latin ‘civis’, connecting deeply with terms like civilian and civilization. If we’re to be citizens who contribute positively, we need to embrace civility to keep our societies running smoothly.

What’s in a Word?

The term civility is more than just a word; it’s a powerful social glue. Pause and think about its roots: ‘civis’ implies the essence of being part of a community. Just as Romans prized civility to uphold the grandeur of their empire, so did the Ottoman Empire. Without this cohesive force, history has shown us that societal decay often follows.

Civility and Flourishing Civilizations

“Civilizations that don’t have civil people tend not to flourish.”

This quote isn’t just poetic—it’s a stark reality. Without civil interaction and respect, communities cannot achieve harmony. Societies lose their way, falling into chaos as personal discontent goes unchecked. This is further compounded by modern-day anonymity, where social media allows uncivil exchanges without consequence. It’s a strange world where what used to be a rant at your pillow has become mean words left in the comments section.

Civility as the Social Glue

Think of civility as the unseen thread weaving diverse individuals into a unified tapestry. Like an artful fabric, it requires care. We all have a responsibility to maintain this weave for our future generations. So, are we willing to nurture this old yet precious virtue? I wonder, can we ever return to being a civil society?

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword

You know, it’s kind of wild how social media is transforming our lives. It’s like the digital Wild Wild West out there. No real laws. Just everyone doing their own thing. What’s going on with anonymity and lack of accountability? People hide behind screens, and suddenly, poof, they’re untouchable! Keyboard warriors who would never dare say things to your face, doubling down on the hate.

Generational Tug-of-War

And then we have the classic generational differences. Each new wave seems to push back a bit more on this thing called *civility*. Yep, that common decency thing. Take Gen Z for example. They’re bold, and unfiltered, but hey, their voices are loud and online. Is it rebellion, or is it just being unconcerned? Tolerance is one of the core values of the generation, but they don’t seem to know that tolerance and civility go hand in hand.

“Civility is more like tolerance in action.” – Nefreteri

I think Gen Z is really about minimal conformity rather than tolerance. – You do your thing, but with a hint of respect for others. Hey, personally I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being rebellious, but with everything comes balance. Be yourself without tearing ever institution before you to the ground.

The Echo Chamber Effect

Oh boy, the echo chamber effect. Ever been in a group chat where everyone just agrees with you? Social media does that to a lot of us. It feeds our biases and blinds us from the real world. Makes me wonder if we’re pushing each other further apart.

Isn’t it ironic? Social media was supposed to bring us closer. community, say what! But look around, and you might see people more divided than ever. Look, social media has given us the chance to talk without ever coming face-to-face. We’ve lost part of our civic duty. Just saying. (Civic duty was meant for us to contribute to the overall functioning and betterment of the community.)

So, we do see this push and pull as Gen Z tries to balance their unique identity with traditional civility. Perhaps, we’re in an era of rebellious conformity — shaping how we connect and how we, as a society, adapt.

Towards a Civil Discourse

As we navigate through our daily interactions, one thing becomes clear: civility is essential. But what does it really mean to be civil in today’s world? Let me take you through some thoughts.

Understanding and Accepting Conflicting Viewpoints

Ever been in a situation where someone’s opinion just made your blood boil? I’m sure you have. But, here’s the thing—would you want someone to dismiss you just because you think differently? I doubt it. It’s about embracing what makes us unique!

The virtue of civility means having the courage to see beyond disagreements. Think of it like mixing flavors in a dish; sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out delicious. Allow people to be themselves. Otherwise, are we really living in a free world?

Developing Personal Resilience Against Triggers

Oh, triggers. We all have them, right? But here’s a nugget: a trigger is a “you” problem. It’s like when you’re standing in the rain, it’s your choice to open an umbrella. How you react is a choice. As individuals, we need to develop strength to shrug off what irks us. “Civility is like an umbrella of a very basic fundamental umbrella…” Resilience in this context is your personal rain gear.

This is a skill, not a natural talent. You have to practice this skill to enjoy true freedom of speech. Don’t let words break you, let them enrich the dialogue.

Practicing Civility in Everyday Interactions

My experiences have taught me a lot about human interactions. You can’t make everyone agree with you, and that’s okay. Once, I was caught in a work drama—cliques, comments, the whole shebang. Someone at work (un-embarrassingly) said I joined the “Mean Girls” club, simply because I spoke to certain people at work!

It made me realize civility is recognizing everyone’s right to their opinions, regardless. So, I keep being civil, talking to anyone, just as we should. After all, isn’t this what makes the United States so great—its diversity?

Ultimately, fostering civility isn’t about everybody thinking alike. It’s about treating others with dignity and protecting free speech rights. So let’s embrace differences, shall we? Because each voice adds depth to the conversation.