Civility and Its Disobedient Friend: Freedom

With the rise of political correctness and the need for approval of one’s own ideals, the debate of civil discourse is one of many opposing sides. The very idea of peaceful discussion has become something of an enigma to the average citizen who walks the streets of our towns and cities. Each may vouch for their right to speak, listen, and act freely based on their personalized beliefs; however, an uncomplicated dialogue between two persons has transcended into an uncommon practice rarely witnessed in the eye of the public. The question then becomes “Can common decency and the freedom of expression co-exist, and if so, how?” With the implementation of more reliable public forums and the promotion of common decency, civility and freedom of expression can co-exist and, in fact, benefit each other.

The quarrel between civility and the First Amendment has been an argument since the original burgeoning of the United States. The First Amendment came into fruition in 1791, in what was called the Bill of Rights. Many believe that these freedoms are their right no matter where they are in the United States, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The First Amendment text reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…” (Editors). The text indicates that Congress cannot make a law that affects the freedom of expression guaranteed to a citizen; however, this does not limit a private business or establishment from acting against or even discharging an employee based on their speech. Therefore, the implementation of public forums is an important asset to the American people.

Public forums are areas that have been established through specific governmental acts to protect the right to speech and public debate. These zones include public sidewalks, parks, libraries, etc. These safe spaces epitomize the idea of democracy and popular sovereignty and provide a place for people to converse without any threat of authorities or employers. If our democracy is to become strong, it requires public forums “where communities come together at the intersection of law and civility and strike their own balance between the boundaries and norms of civil discourse” (Kranich). If the idea of civil discourse is to ever become more than a fantasy, public forums need expansions, funding, and the increased abundancy across the United States. Sections of cities and towns must be sanctioned as areas where freedom of expression is encouraged and welcomed.

Promoting said safe spaces is also a necessity for the improvement of civility among people. Clubs and organizations-like many have done before-should place posters around the local area or promote certain occasions throughout social media as a means of reaching a broader spectrum of citizens. Through the techniques mentioned, citizens can see opportunities to discover their selves through discourse. “So long as the men and women of this country can believe that the process of debate…is a process in which all may participate and benefit, this freedom will be secure in their minds and hearts” (Rehnquist) If the people believe that civil discourse is an attainable goal, true civility will emerge from a scene of seemingly disagreeable discussion. People will believe in something as important news if they are promoted to correctly, which is precisely why promotion of public forums is essential for common decency.

The opposition to my argument would declare that free speech and civility couldn’t possibly exist alongside each other. One author from Liberator Online claims, “When democracy teaches us that only one way can exist, then society makes enemies of those that dissent.” (Roberts). Democracy is seen as an enemy of civility; however, it’s working towards a single thought that brings people together through democracy. There will never be a singular type of viewpoint, but there are parts of every political stance that someone can agree with. It’s through civil discourse that people can learn to live and prosper alongside others of differing opinions.

The freedom of speech is a vastly important amendment, and this right of the people in the United States and should be exercised to its fullest extent. It should not be perceived as inconsequential because the power of speech is one that can affect the very fabric of our culture as we know it. This can all be put into motion with the increased utilization of public forums and the exaltation of civil discourse, suggesting that the freedom of speech and civility can coexist peacefully in our modern world.