Civics & Civility
Many of us here in the United States, from all points on the political spectrum, have been concerned and saddened by the aggressive tone and disrespectful manner of the current political discourse. Much of our wisdom and best ideas come from a diversity of opinions. In a democracy, there must be room for everyone at the table of dialogue and debate. Civility requires that we learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
As I have been pondering the possible causes for this recent trend, I became aware of a demographic statistic that may offer at least a partial explanation. During the presidential election in 1976, less than 25% of Americans lived in a county in which there was a landslide vote for either candidate. In 2016, 80% of Americans lived in a county in which the vote was overwhelmingly lopsided for one candidate or the other. Whether we realize it or not, we live, work, and interact regularly with people around us of like mind to a greater degree than ever before. Being in a group of people with whom we agree tends to embolden us as we feel free to express our thoughts in a way that we would not if we were surrounded by individuals with diverse viewpoints.
I grew up in Oklahoma where I make my home today. We have a fierce rivalry with Texas, and this plays out each fall at the Oklahoma-Texas football game. The annual game, known as the Red River Rivalry, is played on a neutral field where neither school has an advantage. One half of the tickets are sold to fans of the University of Oklahoma, and one half are sold to supporters of the University of Texas. The stadium is divided in half right down the 50 yard line so that half of the Cotton Bowl crowd is made up of orange-clad Texas fans and the other half is wearing their red and white Oklahoma gear.
I had occasion to talk to a sideline reporter who broadcasts periodically throughout the game. He told me that he tries to do his live sideline reports when he is near the 50 yard line. He went on to explain that the fans in either of the end zones are far more raucous, rowdy, and likely to be yelling things he can’t broadcast on the air; but the fans near the 50 yard line are quite a bit more civilized in their discourse. His theory, which I believe to have a lot of merit, is that fans of one team who are seated next to fans of their rival are just as devoted and spirited but tend to have a less confrontational and more congenial demeanor.
If we go through life believing that everyone agrees with us, we are less civil and less open to a variety of opinions. If we assume everyone around us has their own opinions that may be different from our own, we are much more cautious and measured in our speech and in our actions. This is a good place to begin.
As you go through your day today, assume those around you may disagree with your thoughts, and you will be more agreeable to everyone.
Today’s the day!