From Politics and Business to Our Personal Life . . . Civility is certainly not a new issue and it is something that involves both language and behavior. In fact, every generation has had concerns about civility. Perhaps it is more pertinent today because uncivil behavior (or the lack of civility) has been humored and allowed for too long and gets too much attention from the media and television programming. What if uncivil behavior received no or little attention (i.e., it was ignored or given that disapproving “look”) and civil behavior received approving smiles, accolades, and appreciation? Isn’t it natural for people to act in the way that gains for them the most attention?
Admittedly there are and always will be those who love behaving inappropriately or being a bully; for some strange reason it gives them joy. Feeding this behavior is like adding kindling to a fire. But what if you ignored the behavior? Obviously, this is easier said than done. However, the one who stays in control builds stronger character and is the one that is admired. (more…)
