RIP Civility

If the recent presidential election campaigning did not convince us, then surely actions in 2017 must.

RIP civility.

Whether on college campuses or during televised programming.  Whether so-called activists or elected officials.  Whether purported leaders in political parties or rank and file members of organized labor.  It matters not, because the coarsening of language belies its content.  And it is not only in language.

In Congressional hearings, members rudely interrupt those attempting to answer questions.  On talk programming, self appointed commentators are equally rude in their behavior.  Alleged news panels make outlandish statements, stepping on the comments of others.  And it is not only rudeness.

Purported entertainers employ graphic images, then are shocked at the outrage they evoke.  A director of a stage play mangles Shakespeare by advocating killing a sitting president, then is shocked when sponsors pull their funding.  A television entertainer boldly uses the "N" word and is surprised when many object.  And it is not only in the so-called arts.

Throughout the nation, civility has been closed down by activists, college instructors, elected officials, entertainers, political hacks, and others, under the guise of First Amendment protected speech.  Perhaps it is protected, but that does not mean it is appropriate.   

If one can not civilly provide a message or entertainment, then its content is not of any value.

Though perhaps hard to prove, anecdotally it does seem certain that the greatest number of abusers are from the progressive sector of society, though there are those on the right who are equally offensive.

Above all, no one even had the decency to declare the death of civility and hold a fitting service.