Crisis of Civility?: Political Discourse and Its Discontents

The state of political discourse in the US has become increasingly incivil, with campaign rhetoric designed to inflame the public and reasoned discourse in universities and other public venues threatened. This book presents and develops a more robust discussion of civility, why it matters, what factors contribute to it, and its consequences for democratic life. It seeks to develop a coherent, civil conversation between divergent contemporary perspectives in political science, communications, history, sociology, and philosophy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 238 pages
\n Publication date: 04 March 2019
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The state of political discourse in the United States has been a source of significant concern for many citizens. Political incivility has not only affected political elites but also has made it more challenging and tense for ordinary Americans to engage in meaningful political conversations. The 2016 presidential elections witnessed a surge in campaign rhetoric that aimed to inflame the general public, contributing to the rise of incivility. However, it is important to recognize that incivility among citizens is not solely a result of the 2016 election. In recent years, there have been numerous instances where reasoned discourse in universities and other public venues has been threatened.

In response to these challenges, this book was undertaken. It aims to present and develop a more robust discussion of civility, its importance, potential factors contributing to it, and its consequences for democratic life. The authors included in this book pursue three major questions: Is the state of American political discourse truly as bad as it is often portrayed, compared to previous eras? What lessons about civility can we draw from the 2016 election? How have changes in technology, such as the development of online news and other forms of mediated communication, impacted the nature of our discourse?

To address these questions, the book adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from political science, communications, history, sociology, and philosophy. This multidisciplinary approach helps to reflect on challenges to civil discourse, define civility, and identify its implications for democratic life in the digital age. The text is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including students, scholars, and the general public.

The book features an all-star cast of contributors, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the discussion. The authors explore various aspects of civility, including its historical roots, its role in democratic societies, and the challenges it faces in the modern world. They also examine the consequences of incivility for democratic life, including the erosion of trust, the breakdown of social cohesion, and the potential for political polarization.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of respectful and civil dialogue between individuals with different political perspectives. The authors argue that while differences in opinion are inevitable, it is crucial to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or dismissing others' views. They suggest that cultivating civility requires a willingness to listen, to understand, and to engage in constructive debate.

The book also explores the role of media and social media in shaping political discourse. The authors argue that the rise of online news and social media platforms has created new opportunities for citizens to engage in political discourse, but it has also contributed to the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and incivility. They suggest that media outlets and social media platforms should play a more active role in promoting civil discourse and combating the spread of hate speech and misinformation.

Another important theme of the book is the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own behavior and attitudes. The authors argue that while external factors, such as political rhetoric or media coverage, can influence civility, individuals also have a role to play in promoting it. They suggest that individuals should be mindful of their language, avoid personal attacks, and engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with others.

In conclusion, the state of political discourse in the United States has been a subject of significant concern for many citizens. This book seeks to develop a more robust discussion of civility, its importance, potential factors contributing to it, and its consequences for democratic life. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach and featuring an all-star cast of contributors, the book aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible exploration of this critical issue. The authors argue that while there are challenges to promoting civility, it is essential to work towards creating a more respectful and inclusive political discourse that fosters democratic values and social cohesion.

\n Weight: 390g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138484450\n \n