NBC’s “The Today Show” recently aired a series titled “Is Civility Dead,” raising the question of whether or not our society has moved beyond placing value on decorum, politeness, and collegiality to one that thrives on ill manners, hostility, anger, and inappropriate behavior. Sadly, I would have to agree that we are moving towards the latter.
From outbursts on reality TV, on the senate floor and on the tennis court, to hiding behind e-mails (because it’s easier than having the face-to-face conversation), texting and answering cell phones while having dinner with friends, and forgetting that the words “please” and “thank you” exist, the question is — have we gone too far?
Technology, the Internet, and social media play an enormous role in our ongoing communication today and are certainly beneficial. But at the same time, technology and humanity appear to be coming more and more polarized.
In my opinion, perhaps we have gone too far. Yet, I also believe that many of us have unconsciously — not intentionally — fallen into this trap of impulsive and rude behavior and can turn things around.
I propose that we start to focus on engaging with each other in a more positive fashion by saying “please” and “thank you” more often and by holding the door for someone behind you. Acknowledge to our families and friends that they are important to us by looking up from the computer once in a while and by turning off the cell phone during dinner. Take a minute to pick up the phone to communicate in real-time rather than sending an e-mail and respond to correspondence in a timely manner. (Silence can be deafening!)
Gratitude and good manners relate to humility, while rude behavior and ignorance relate to arrogance and insensitivity. Good communications skills, simple words of kindness and positive human interaction are powerful tools. They can foster an environment of trust and go a long way in successfully building bridges between people, organizations, institutions and governments.
Without these tools, any efforts to produce viable personal and working relationships will be seriously compromised.
Is Civility Dead?
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November 15, 2010 at 9:26 pm |
Agreed.
November 15, 2010 at 10:37 pm |
Nicely done. I completely agree. There is so much in the way of manners and gentility that we need to reintroduce to our children and also to our colleagues. In terms of collaboration and partnership, those good old manners can really help smooth over some rough spots and contribute to a more successful outcome.
November 16, 2010 at 3:30 pm |
Bravo, Irene! I, too, find the basics of civility are often sadly lacking in everyday communication. I often teach the most basic components of interaction to my interview skills clients… Proper handshake, eye contact and pleasant facial expression, basic polite speech…plus most importantly, good listening skills and interest in what the other person is saying!