Civil discourse missing

I was interested in Wikipedia’s page on civil discourse described as this in the first paragraph:

“Kenneth J. Gergen describes civil discourse as the language of civil discourse", and suggests that it requires respect of the other participants, such as the reader. It neither diminishes the other's moral worth, nor questions their good judgment; it avoids hostility, direct antagonism, or excessive persuasion; it requires modesty and an appreciation for the other participant's experiences.“

Then, I wondered what has happened to the polite art of discussing all manner of topics. Regardless of the topic, it seems that if you don’t agree with a stated opinion, then you are an idiot. There is nothing in between.

There appears to be no conversation, no discussion, no willingness to explore another’s point of view... just you agree or you are an idiot. 

I even saw a post on a friend’s Facebook page that resembled verbal vomit. She was clearly passionate about her opinion in regard to Brexit, but essentially told everyone else to **** off and don’t reply because she will delete all replies.

Is it stemming from social media? Is it a trend in the way we negotiate now with “Trumpian” bullying tactics, or are we just ignorant. 

My wife and I were discussing it and decided that one of the most important things missing is the all-important one hour family gathering around the dining table to eat and — discuss.

We grew up discussing all manner of things with family and visiting friends and were eager to learn other’s opinions and discuss our views on the subject.

If I had taken the stance that someone was an idiot for not agreeing with me at the dining room table, I would have received a quick clip around the ear from one of my parents. 

It appears this week as though a passionate young Swedish girl. Greta Thunberg, has riled a lot of people with her opinions on our care-taking efforts of her and her generation’s future.

The responses would indicated you are an idiot if you believe her or you are an idiot if you don’t, depending on which side of the fence you sit. 

The young girl in question has committed herself to her cause and I commend her for doing that.

The fact that we may not have been good custodians of the environment needs discussing and debating. Hollow commitments to reach carbon net neutral in a short period of time with no particular plan is exactly what she referenced in her talk to the UN.

The situation needs action not a signature on a document with an empty promise. 

To get to the action plan, we need to discuss. We need to get out of the kindergarten sandpit, drop the baggage, forget party politics and look at best practices to proceed with an economy that is fruitful and sustainable.

To do anything else, is, as she pointed out, an injustice to future generations. 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.