In the Absence of Healthy Communication, Civility Is Left to Interpretation
Civility is often spoken of as a common ground of respect, courtesy, and restraint. But civility is not self-sustaining. It is not a rule written in stone. Civility is a fragile byproduct of a deeper connection to one another through healthy communication. Without it, civility loses its foundation and becomes a matter of interpretation. When communication breaks down, civility becomes a weapon of subjugation instead of a bridge to a brighter future. And in a world where mistrust, propaganda, and division often dominate our public square, the consequences are devastating. Healthy communication is about clarity, context, listening and understanding, yet today we are often drowning in noise. In the United States, governmental communication has often shifted into a constant performance of shock and dominance—tweets, soundbites, and viral moments designed to provoke rather than to unite. In such an environment, civility no longer means honest debate; it means controlling the narrative. Civi...