I had the unique opportunity to grow up in the Washington, DC area during the 80’s & 90’s. The District and surrounding suburbs were in full growth mode during the Reagan years. The schools I attended were full of students from all walks of life – ethnically, politically, religiously and economically.
Memories serves that the most popular past time in school was to discuss and debate, everything. It certainly was a great training ground for learning, listening and developing ideas and opinions. The best part is that we took everyone’s opinions, whether we agreed or not, and respected them. We were able to be friends regardless of political, social or religious viewpoints.
We also were able to see firsthand how players in Washington were able to work with one another, regardless of political ideology. Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neil worked together. Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy made great compromises to move the country forward.
Now we not only see the art of the deal, of compromise, lost on our leaders, but on society as a whole. Social media has unleashed a new platform to ridicule, reject and ostracize people because of their beliefs, lifestyle choices or actions. We are quick to judge and slow to forgive. We judge others in terms of black and white but want to live in shades of gray for ourselves.
We now determine the worth of others based on their beliefs regarding abortion, immigration, religion, spending, entitlements, political party and so on. There has been lost on all of us the need to speak and act in kindness. One of my favorite bumper stickers of all time is from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Practice random acts of kindness. While they didn’t invent the phrase, they certainly have helped to remind us of the importance of doing for others.
I contend that the breakdown of our society and the world as a whole is the stunning lack of civility. There are many that bully and abuse their way to accomplish many things, sometimes things that are of benefit. The problem is the damage that are left in the wake of bullying usually outweighs the benefits.
Let us therefore, find ways to forgive those around us. Let us randomly bless others. Let us get involved with our communities. Let us rediscover the civility that has been lost.