Civility an art lost on Rep. Wilson, Kanye West, Serena Williams – but not Lynn
When I heard that all freshmen were required to read the book, Choosing Civility, I thought it a rather interesting choice – but interesting in a good way. Civility almost sounds like an “old-fashioned” word, one you don’t often hear these days. But it is something we either take for granted or we notice the absence of it.
I’m part way through P.M. Forni’s book (all employees having received this very “civil” gift at the Welcome Back Breakfast), and it really does make you aware of just how many ways there are to “be nice;” how your behavior or misbehavior can affect someone either very positively or negatively. In these times of ever-growing advanced technology, the idea of being civil to your fellow man may seem simplistic, but it also seems like a lost art.
Reading the book I found myself having those “ah hah” moments: like a form of listening or non-listening he calls “disregard and proceed” – otherwise known as “it’s all about me;” or channeling your “inner designated driver” otherwise known as think before you speak, and so many other nuggets I’m sure I have yet to uncover.
“The decline of civility is a social phenomenon that is being discussed now with the frequency and intensity that was not there 10 years ago,” said Forni.
And it’s no wonder. Just recently, we witnessed 3 very public civility offenses: Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst to Obama; Kanye West’s rude interruption of Taylor Swift, and Serena Williams’ temper tantrum. What great fodder for classroom discussion using our own increasingly non-civil world around us as perfect examples.
If I can quote from another blog on the subject (don’t know the etiquette on that one, so I will anyway), “Somewhere, Miss Manners is going into conniptions. It’s been a tough week for civility in America,” said Sun-Sentinel blogger Mike Mayo.
During our 2nd annual Civility Week starting today, let’s get back to basics – basic human kindness, that is. I heard that Forni is coming to campus March 16, and I do look forward to hearing what he has to say.
So, what does civility mean to you? Or what is your most “uncivil” pet peeve?
3 Comments
Robert Watson
I am glad all our new students were assigned the book (it is an easy, useful, and fun read!). Lynn is a special place where faculty, staff, and students still greet one another on campus with a friendly wave and smile. Let us all commit ourselves to continuing to treat one another with dignity and respect.
Ryan 10/5/09 10:29 am
Civility to me is not only saying please and thank you and holding the door open for the person behind you, but it also means being an active citizen within in your community and beyond!