Civility Matters…….

“Whatever happen to civility?” is an often heard lament from strangers, neighbors, and friend!  Our civil society is changing at warp speed as more and more people accept incivility as the “new normal.”  For example, the escalating vulgarity and hateful rhetoric similar to the derogatory comments by Rush Limbaugh to Sandra Fluke who was trying to protect a woman’s access to contraception and preventive health care.  Moreover, the firing of Pat Buchanan from MSNBC for his white supremacist rhetoric is another example of this level of incivility.  We are witnessing a time where there is lax standards, sensational media and polarizing politics.

While rudeness is pervasive and rising, the societal and financial costs of incivility are astronomical.  It is because we have sold our soul for comforts and conveniences, for status and success and let the few wealthy individuals control our destiny.  Our bizarre behaviors as a result of incivility manifest themselves in some basic disorders such as depression, loneliness, boredom, sleep deprivation, and yes, violence.  We suffer from feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt and worthlessness.  More people live alone in this country than ever before.  Thirty-six percent of Americans say they are lonely.  But it’s not just living alone, it’s that we don’t gather together just to be together.

Under the veneer of top corporate executives, the veneer of control is depression and despair.  To get to the top, they’ve had to give up almost every thing:  time with themselves; time with friends; time with family; and most of all they had to give up their values and their dreams of making a difference in the world.

Perhaps we have lost touch with a depth and substance in life that we are searching for so that we may reclaim and experience of aliveness and authenticity.  Maybe we will find some zest and enthusiasm that may lead us back to a time when life had meaning and purpose and caring for others.