Civility is a word that comes to mind this morning. I believe we need a return to civility in this country. It is something I think is sorely missing and misunderstood. The manner in which we behave in a civilized society is called civility. One could call it a code of conduct, like the code of the old west. Of course that code was only in the movies but it was an ideal. Today we hear a lot of talk about respect. Respect is the product of civility. You can not have one without the other.We don't say you are uncivilized but we do say, I feel disrespected. That feeling accompanies a lack of civil behavior either by you or another individual. Had the breach in the civil code not occurred, no disrespect is felt.
The dictionary says civility is formal politeness and courtesy. I agree with that definition. Not that it would make any difference if I didn't, but I write that only to give credence to my thinking here. I do think a return to a more formal way of living is in order. Society, in general, has become too informal and relaxed. We are not on our " best behavior " as our Mom's would constantly cajole us to be. That sort of behavior is even looked upon as extraordinary these days. The manner in which children address adults is just one example. That has certainly changed since I was a child. It goes beyond that however. In my estimation I only see this civil behavior when the person is wanting something from the society. Then they are courteous and polite, to a point. When they don't get what they want immediately, that can quickly change. That is a part of civility that is lacking in today's world, graciousness in the face of disappointment. Composure when faced with adversity. To put it in more modern parlance, staying cool !
I can recall a day when wit and sarcasm where the weapons of choice. Folks remained civil with one another and verbal barbs were used to display displeasure. Resorting to crude and vulgar language was the mark of the ignorant. To be ignorant is to be uninformed. The uninformed could not answer in a rational sense and therefore just resorted to bluster and strong language. Now we live in the " information " age and I see more ignorance than civility. I can't help but wonder why that should be so. I suppose I could write an entire paper on civil behavior but I wouldn't be informing anyone of anything they don't already know. We all know what those behaviors are, we just need to exercise them.
Society changes and evolves with each succeeding generation. That has always been so and will continue. I believe that just like I believe history repeats itself. Circles in life and in societies behaviors. I would like to see a return to a more formal time. Ladies and Gentlemen. That term is applied rather loosely today, more as a greeting than a description. It is really more about understanding and knowing our roles in society than it is anything else. That statement makes backs bristle ! I am aware of that, but support that position. Civility hinges upon that premise does it not ? And that is not a bad thing.
The dictionary says civility is formal politeness and courtesy. I agree with that definition. Not that it would make any difference if I didn't, but I write that only to give credence to my thinking here. I do think a return to a more formal way of living is in order. Society, in general, has become too informal and relaxed. We are not on our " best behavior " as our Mom's would constantly cajole us to be. That sort of behavior is even looked upon as extraordinary these days. The manner in which children address adults is just one example. That has certainly changed since I was a child. It goes beyond that however. In my estimation I only see this civil behavior when the person is wanting something from the society. Then they are courteous and polite, to a point. When they don't get what they want immediately, that can quickly change. That is a part of civility that is lacking in today's world, graciousness in the face of disappointment. Composure when faced with adversity. To put it in more modern parlance, staying cool !
I can recall a day when wit and sarcasm where the weapons of choice. Folks remained civil with one another and verbal barbs were used to display displeasure. Resorting to crude and vulgar language was the mark of the ignorant. To be ignorant is to be uninformed. The uninformed could not answer in a rational sense and therefore just resorted to bluster and strong language. Now we live in the " information " age and I see more ignorance than civility. I can't help but wonder why that should be so. I suppose I could write an entire paper on civil behavior but I wouldn't be informing anyone of anything they don't already know. We all know what those behaviors are, we just need to exercise them.
Society changes and evolves with each succeeding generation. That has always been so and will continue. I believe that just like I believe history repeats itself. Circles in life and in societies behaviors. I would like to see a return to a more formal time. Ladies and Gentlemen. That term is applied rather loosely today, more as a greeting than a description. It is really more about understanding and knowing our roles in society than it is anything else. That statement makes backs bristle ! I am aware of that, but support that position. Civility hinges upon that premise does it not ? And that is not a bad thing.
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