What is the definition of Civility? The act of showing regard for others by being polite and respectful. We all know that remaining civil is easy when conversations go in agreeance. But what about those situations when there are opposing viewpoints? Arguments? Even anger?
In the heat of the moment, one can find it to be an extremely daunting task to remain civil. So perhaps the better question on the subject is, “Why is important to treat each other with civility?” That, is the sole purpose of this website.
Amy Biggers
Attorney / Teacher
Civility is the act of being present and have self-regulation, especially when someone disagrees with you. Start by trying understanding the other side’s interest. It’s much more practical and efficient to get things done when we listen and consider an opposing viewpoint.
Brandon Draper
Attorney
It can be tough to hear a blunt truth, but all of us are working for goal the common good. The power of civility is that you acknowledge and hear opposing an viewpoint. Just letting the other person know that you are considering what they are trying to communicate helps you be more productive.
Cali Franks
Attorney
People can have views and different ideas, but being able to discuss those in a civil atmosphere is what makes us progress as a society. Don’t be overtaken by your emotion when you discuss your viewpoint or listening to another’s opinion. Don’t carry the burden of knowing that you were disrespectful to somebody.
Christine Nishimura
Attorney
I think students right now are being exposed to a lot of disagreement and situations where adults are not being civil to each other. One step we can take to being more civil with each other is not to interrupt the other person while they are talking. Take turns and let the other speak. When they are speaking, it’s your turn to listen.
Courtney White
Attorney
I think civility is being a kind person and being flexible with our points-of-view. Listening to the other person is important is because really, we just all want to be heard. It’s not about changing their mind, it’s about making them feel like their opinion matters even if we disagree with it.
Jeanine Rispoli
Attorney
Everyone deserves to be treated with civility. In terms of relationships, the goal is to be to understand each other better, not necessarily always getting what you want. When you practice active listening, you create a solid foundation to have really difficult discussions with civility and respect.
Justice
Jeff Boyd
Judge
We all have to live with one another in ways that are productive. Respect and civility are a big part of that. There are selfless and selfish reasons to be civil with one another. One being, when you are civil you are more apt to achieve your ultimate goal.
Kirk Cooper
Attorney
The biggest benefit to giving someone some space that you may disagree with is that it gives you a chance to access your position and theirs. You can ask yourself, “Is what they’re really asking unreasonable?” When things get amplified with anger, the real argument gets lost.
:
Laura Pratt
Attorney
There are kind people all over the world. And if you walk into a situation and you can’t find one, then you be one. Everyone deserves kindness and respect. It’s important to understand that not everyone thinks like you do. People are different and have different ideas. And that’s a good thing.
Judge
Lauren Sepulveda
Judge
Civility, in my view, is learning how to disagree respectfully and trying to find common ground where you can. It also helps to have a little bit of empathy. It’s very easy to become emotionally upset when you are so invested in your own opinion. We need to teach kids to listen to each other.
Mark Altman
Attorney
As long as you approach a difficult conversation with the understanding that different ideas are not personal attacks, you’ll be fine. But we’re all human. We all have bad days. If we lash out at someone, it’s important - to them and you - that you apologize. It’s the quickest path back to civility.
Michael Hansen
Attorney
The key word is kindness. It’s the Golden Rule, treat others as you want to be treated. Civility is being patient, taking a second to think things through, and reminding yourself of your ethics. When are responses are calm and measured, we start creating a culture of caring.
Sylvia Borunda Firth
Attorney
The best example we have of civility was the relationship between Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsberg. Their ideologies were very different, but could disagree respectfully and still remain friends. When your empathic to another’s dissent, that makes in difficult to be disrespectful.
