Civility today is in decline. What does it mean to be civil? Civility is from the Latin civile, civilis or civilitas: “Relating to public life; befitting a citizen.”
Rude or disrespectful people are said to lack civility. Too often, people in public demonstrate a lack of consideration for others. They rudely impose their will on people and are confrontational when dissatisfied with the outcomes.
Civility is learned and not innate. As a boy, when I was abrupt or disrespectful, my grandmother would slap the back of my head and say, “Keep a civil tongue in your mouth.” I quickly learned to say “yes sir” and “no ma’am,” “thank you” and “no thank you.” I learned good manners and the etiquette of polite speech and actions.
Civility is opening the supermarket door for someone. It’s helping an old lady across the street. It’s listening to an opposing opinion without insults or insolence in reply. It’s treating others unlike you with dignity, courtesy and respect.
Can’t we simply be nice to each other? We have too little civility in today’s divided society.
