We need respectful civil discourse
Respectful civil discourse is more important right now than at any other time in American history. In recent times, we have faced issues and arguments that challenge us as a people, and call into question our morality and our future. Civil discourse is defined as “the engagement in conversation in order to enhance understanding,” according to Wikipedia. That definition is close, but to me it is more than that. To me, civil discourse is respecting your fellow citizens enough to be willing to listen to them and try to accept their points of view. Unfortunately, such behavior seems to be absent in society today.
Civil discourse is designed to spread ideas in an effective manner in order to improve society as a whole. When we communicate with each other respectfully, we hear one another and assume that each party knows and understands their own positions. We assume that each position is viable and try to understand the flaws and advantages of each. We do not assume our adversaries are stupid. We do not go into a discussion predisposed to disbelieve another person’s statements. When we respect one another, we do not call each other names or use information to attack and discredit. Civil discourse is not about winning – it is about creating solutions so that we can all benefit. Civil discourse in one of the most necessary and beneficial concepts in our society, but it was absent from where we need it most – the just-finished presidential election.
This year’s election was touted as one of the worst in our nation’s history. This election lacked all sense of honor, integrity, and respect. Civil discourse no longer exists in political discussion thanks to this election. A shining example of the lack of respect in politics could be seen in the candidates’ actions during the debates. Thirty-five interruptions does not demonstrate respect. Neither was accusing the other of sexual predation. The tone that the candidates set for the election was the tone that everyone followed when it was discussed. We attacked, we criticized, we undermined, and we accused. We cared so much about being right and defending our decisions that we were willing to insult one another.
When we care more about winning than helping each other, society suffers. We will do what’s best to defend ourselves, not what’s best to fix our problems. If civil discourse still existed, we could talk respectfully, share ideas, and come to conclusions. As it stands, we are closed off and divided – ready for four years of suffering.
Respectful civil discourse was needed during this presidential election. Without respectful conversation and idea sharing, we are doomed. We must make a unanimous decision as a nation to respect and listen to one another. We must learn to understand and show empathy towards our fellow citizens once again. Only when we work together and love each other can we achieve any positive outcome. We will respect, or we will die.
Daniel Gysi is a sophomore at Washington High School. This essay won first place in an essay contest on civil discourse sponsored by Washington Hospital Teen Outreach.