The article discusses the turmoil faced by communities as they often prepare for summer celebrations amidst significant societal issues, particularly affecting women, minorities, and transgender individuals. It highlights the dangers of taking sides in political discourse, leading to incivility and division. Emphasizing the role of civil discourse, the article explains how mutual respect, trust, and challenging beliefs are crucial for a functioning democracy. It underscores the importance of listening and forgiving as vital skills to bridge divides and encourage constructive dialogue.
According to Feinberg, 2023, in Social, Psychological, and Personality Science: "Incivility is both attention-grabbing and morally distasteful, and in line with work showing the primacy of morality, the negative influence moral disapproval has on interest, outweighs any positive influence gained by being attention-grabbing."
According to the Center for Ethics and Human Values, Ohio State University: "Civil discourse aims to develop mutual respect, build civic trust, and identify common ground on matters of public concern."
They add: "It can therefore make us feel uncomfortable, threatened, or even angry ... [nonetheless] having our beliefs challenged is a necessary condition for building the knowledge, skills, and relationships that make a flourishing democracy possible."
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