Civility

This past Tuesday, Vice Presidential candidates J. D. Vance and Tim Walz faced off in a vice-presidential debate. Although each one stood their ground for the political positions, there was a common word that was used to describe the debate: civility.

?The Guardian writes, “Our readers had varied responses but a common refrain:? Walz and Vance managed to treat each other with civility.”

?A BBC headline read, “’It was respectable’: Midwest voters praise tone of VP debate” and an Axios headline read, “America’s time machine:? Takeaways from a refreshingly civil VP debate.”

?Typically, when we hear of debates, we hear words like contentious, heated or, perhaps, combative. Civility seems to be lost on our current political climate, if not our culture as a whole. The political divide seemingly penetrates every aspect of our lives. In a diverse work environment, working alongside people with varied political perspectives, it is necessary to maintain civility in the workplace.

?The fact of the matter is, we’re not going to agree on everything, but it’s possible to disagree in an agreeable way. It’s possible to be civil.

?It occurs to me how closely related the terms “civil” and “politics” are. “Civil,” according to dictionary.com means “of, relating to, or consisting of citizens” or “adhering to the norms of polite social intercourse; not deficient in common courtesy.” The Latin politicus means “Of citizens or the state, civil.” Political discourse should be civil discourse.

?So, how, in a heated political climate, do we remain civil to one another despite our differences, political or otherwise? First, learn to speak kindly of others. George Washington in his Rules of Civility and decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation said, “Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest. Scoff at none, although they give occasion.” There may be no shortage of opportunities to scoff at another but choose instead to speak kindly of others.

?Second, prefer others to yourself. Again, George Washington writes, “Be not forward but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear, and answer, and be not pensive when it’s a time to converse.” Show respect to others. Listen to them. Answer their questions with kindness. Learn to have a conversation, not an argument.

?Third, be humble. Washington says, “Wherein you reprove another, be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than precepts.” In other words, don’t charge someone with a crime you’re equally as guilty of committing. Recognize your own biases and acknowledge your own weaknesses.

?Finally, respect and honor others. Again, Washington says, “Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present.” It’s just a simple, common courtesy. Don’t beat others down to prop yourself up. Respect others, for they are fearfully and wonderfully made.

?Credit to Shelby Scarbrough for her thoughts on civility:? https://www.td.org/content/td-magazine/civility-please