Civil discourse
The existence of a democratic society depends on the nature of interactions among people living in it. Sharing ideas of ideas through political discussions for example helps members of the community to understand the issues that exist around them and how shaping up public opinion can improve the state of the community they live in. these interactions also helps to spread ideas and ensure that information reaches people in remote places thus making them part of the developments that occur. Although the discussions and interactions do not always bear positive results, the outcome can be influenced through approaches like civil discourse. Influencing positive interaction in different platforms enhances the efficiency of communication and level of understanding which is achieved through civil discourse. Despite the challenges that exist, people in society have done commendable work when engaging in civil discourse in different aspects of society.
The term ‘civil discourse’ refers to interactions that occur in the form of conversations that are meant to create more understanding of a given topic. It differs from arguments in that, the parties engaged in the discourse have opposing viewpoints on the topic being discussed and express their opinions without trying to prove they are right or wrong. When done correctly, civil discourse can help build more understanding on a topic to encourage personal and academic growth. To enhance efficiency in civil discourse, different organizations have started encouraging their staff and stakeholders to share their opinions on specific topics in unstructured debates that encourage people to share ideas more than alter other people’s opinions. Organizations like schools encourage students to discuss topics through approaches that seek to add information about specific topics without trying to change other people’s minds on the topic being discussed. Each individual is encouraged to give their opinions and discuss facts as a way to add to the already existing information. The debate approach where each side was expected to show why their side is right and the other is wrong has been substituted with discussions that seek to add information from both sides of the discussion. Although some interactions spark tension when the debate gets heated, people have mastered the art of civil discourse and the discussions remain civil.
The use of civil discourse in schools is therefore an ideal example of the progress that people have made when engaging in civil discourse. In the past, professors relied on structured debates as it gave them more control over the direction the conversation would take and therefore allowed them to influence the students’ opinions and attitudes. It also reduced the likelihood that the discussions would create a hostile learning environment because the students were limited when choosing the topics to discuss. People’s success when using civil discourse has however shifted people’s perceptions of unstructured discussions in the classroom and professors are more willing to allow students to openly share their perceptions and beliefs about specific topics. Concerning students, learning occurs best when students can identify a specific topic and formulate their opinions about the topic. The implementation also requires the students to take a stance, stick to it and add on the information they have through research and interactions with others who share similar opinions. In addition to taking their stance, civil discourse is also used to develop an understanding of the importance of listening to other people’s contrasting ideas without questioning their own or shifting their stance. The approach that people take therefore allows students and society in general to have their own opinions; share with peers and other members of society, and further interact with others who share contrasting opinions without the interaction resulting in conflict.
Civil discourse is also being used to promote diversity and promote peaceful coexistence regardless of the differences that people share. The platform created through civil discourse allows people to discuss topics that are considered controversial in an accommodative tone that discourages conflict. When each individual is given the chance to share their viewpoints, those with similar ideas and beliefs get to learn more about their stand and also to get a better understanding of those on the opposing side. Since everyone is given the chance to share their ideas, every discussion acts as a learning experience because the interaction focuses more on sharing information rather than proving others wrong. The freedom to discuss topics that may be controversial also teaches individuals how to interact with people with varying opinions. A diverse community not only exposes people to each other’s differences but also helps people to identify approaches that are acceptable regardless of the differences that exist. People not only earn about their differences, but they also discover how their opinions may affect others and this restricts the discourse to only sharing information without the desire to change the opposing side or prove that their beliefs are wrong. This in turn enhances interactions and promotes diversity as people continue to interact despite their differences.
Civil discourse is also being used to promote interaction on platforms that were previously used to spread propaganda. The effective communication that is facilitated by civil discourse has enabled people to interact and share ideas on the internet. In the past, discussions about the public affair were not common over the internet because the anonymity created made it difficult to regulate what people would say. The ability to use pseudo accounts and avatars meant that people could hide their identity but still share their opinions and beliefs about topics they were passionate about. This however encouraged conflict as people would post negative comments and other means of communication to strongly disagree with another’s point of view. The efficiency of civil discourse however prompts people to assess how their communication will affect others regardless of whether it occurs face to face or over the internet. The exposure created by the internet also encourages people to engage in civil discourse as it allows for sharing of ideas and gaining more knowledge.
Human beings seek out different ways to create an ideal community that embraces diversity. Although interactions are common, there are also occurrences where people disagree and conflicts arise as a result of the varying opinions and attitudes that people have. Despite these differences, however, civil discourse has proven effective in promoting positive interactions among diverse groups. Through it, people can share ideas and increase their knowledge about topics they are passionate about. Its continued use in society only proves that civil discourse is an effective tool in helping members of society to embrace diversity and peacefully coexist despite their differences. The continued success in promoting effective communication and facilitating interactions among a diverse population only proves that we are doing a commendable job when engaging in civil discourse.
