CIVILITY AND CIVIL SOCIETIES

This broad subject is integral to the concept of democracy. It is taken for granted by most Americans, but incivility often shows up in groups, workplaces, and nations. Therefore, from time to time, reconsiderations of it are necessary.
Simply stated, civility is politeness, according to my Oxford Modern English Dictionary. Much has been written on the subject, often along the line of respect for other people. Doing a search on amazon.com turns up numerous recent books of the subject, as well as an older one, “George Washington’s RULES OF CIVILITY AND BEHAVIOUR IN COMPANY AND CONVERSATION,” re-issued in 1989. Apparently the nascent American democracy needed such discussions, and they are still needed today. Several websites also are to be found by doing a search for “civil society,” for example, www.civilsoc.org which reaches international applications and “civility, for example, www.civilityassociates.com which is a workplace-oriented firm that promises: “We help you create a positive environment through sincerity, respect and optimism.”
When I was working with universities in all East European countries from 1986-2000, we frequently had to explore the civil-society concept that had been missing there for fifty years.
When these concepts are lacking, the atmosphere becomes strained and stressful, and community and cooperation are painfully absent. I know because I’m immersed in one right now.