December 3, 2021
While the city of Culver City offering a seminar on civil discourse is an idea that is both needed and timely, I'm feeling slightly cynical. The people who would benefit most are unlikely to show up, and those that do attend are least in need of the education.
The art of communication is so very challenged these days.
If you have ever studied communication in a formal academic setting, there are textbooks that recommend certain tools. For centuries, people have studied the science of getting a point across, getting the answers you want or just being understood. I'm noticing a desperate lack of these things.
About a decade ago, there were a few reliable gadflies (and no, it's not an insult- it's a valid, descriptive term) who turned up at every city council meeting, railed at the council for being stupid, corrupt, insulated and evil. These people were wealthy property owners that I had heard the city was having issues with in regard to things like sanitation regulation and industrial safety standards. Their regular appearances to cuss at the council were just shaking a metaphorical fist in the direction of authority.
Some then-council members felt the need to push back, and and so the battle was joined.
This particular swarm of gadflies fell away when a mayor possessed with the power of civility just killed them with kindness, and politely listened to all their complaints, and thanked them for their time. With no one to fight with, they got bored and stopped showing up. The benefits of etiquette were instantly understandable.
Some people are not looking to communicate; they are just looking to quarrel.
The gadflies we have now have communication skills so poor, they couldn't persuade a third grader change their mind over a box of bubble gum.
The number of people who show up to tell the council what knotheads they are, and then ask them to accept suggestions on policy – boggles the mind. I don't know about you, but I don't ever take advice from people who begin the conversation by insulting me.
As the school board proceeds to create policy (that's the job, that's why we elected them) they are now receiving hate mail that is seriously hair-raising. There have been articles in several national media outlets as to the number of local elected officials who are resigning because, while they want to serve their community, they are not willing to accept death threats as a part of the job.
They shouldn't have to – the fact that we have become a culture so violent and angry that people feel justified sending death threats over minor policy issues – is the concept of civil discourse now an anachronistic joke?
The idea that people can have different views is somehow seen as ineffectual. There is only right and wrong.
It's ineffectual only because the authoritarians who want to do away with civil rights can't allow local governments to foster civil discourse. If they can keep pulling the anger strings on potential violence, they can control you like a marionette puppet.
If you feel you must begin a conversation with any who has a different view than your own by telling them that they are evil or stupid, know that anything you say after that isn't going to be heard.
The mass psychosis of social media delivers hateful propaganda like a cigarette delivers nicotine; you may not taste it, but your nervous system felt it arrive.
There are many ways to connect with people – even people you don't agree with – for beneficial, constructive exchange. There are avenues for creative expression and positive interaction. While civil discourse may seem like a lost art, it's not out of date. Bringing it back into style could benefit everyone.
Culver City Crossroads is the prime source for news, events, politics, education and culture. they are here to serve the community, create connections, and have fun.
"discourse" - Google News
December 06, 2021 at 09:51PM
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Civil Discourse – Anachronism Or Art? | Culver City, CA Patch - Patch.com
"discourse" - Google News
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