What happened to civility? Too often it seems, we encounter evidence that the fuse between respectful discourse and open enmity has shortened considerably.
From coffee shops to department stores, one is likely to find signs advising customers that abusive language and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
People are visibly impatient with others they don’t know, and when disagreements arise, conflicting opinions are aired with unrestrained hostility. Some school boards in Ontario, for example, have adopted a policy of limiting access to public meetings out of concern, based on experience, that they will quickly devolve into shouting matches.
Meanwhile, our world seems increasingly dysfunctional as policy and other issues are weaponized for personal or political gain.
"Right now, we're not having very good conversations,” says Anthony Morgan, an entrepreneur, scientist, public speaker, enthusiastic educator, and, most recently, new co-host of CBC Television’s venerable science program “The Nature of Things.”
“I want to figure out what we can do differently,” he adds.
One need only reflect on world events today to imagine how difficult it will be to foster collaborative and productive dialogue so that we attack each other less and instead communicate in ways that lead to better outcomes. It means understanding and confronting behaviour that seems deeply ingrained in contemporary culture.
Considering the enormity of the task he faces, Morgan’s steadfast commitment to achieving his goal is impressive. So, too, is his résumé.
