(Community Matters) Ambassador Lyndon Olson on builders vs haters . . .
The Ambassador was honored by the Center for Public Policy Priorities last week. This is his speech on The Case for Civility – posted on the Texas Tribune
I absolutely agree with Lyndon about the need for civility, though I don’t know I agree that people were more civil in our past. Could it be that we were more insular? I mean, minorities and Jews weren’t even allowed into the country clubs. Women weren’t allowed into some of the same chambers. And, didn’t legislators break into fist fights on the house floor? Perhaps it was easier to be more civil during times of segregation and when local sheriffs could pretty much declare what was and wasn’t free speech. Weren’t a bunch of kids mowed down for disagreeing at Kent State University? Again, I don’t know the answer but just have these questions. Either way, I agree with the need for more civility in public discourse.
Yeah, that doesn’t mesh with my experience or observations. If anything, it seems we’re becoming more civil. People seem less dismissive of others’ viewpoints. Racism has declined. Politeness is up. When I visit UT the students seem more mature and respectful and together than when I was an undergrad.
Maybe I just hang out with classier people than I did when I was younger, but I’m not seeing a general decline in civility. We have more constant media and people are more in touch with others outside their immediate circle than in decades past, so that may make it seem like there is more tension.