The world is full of judgment days, but it remains true that justice is the end of nature! Equity being the sum total of life; civility is the sum total of the sacrifices each society makes to sustain itself and self-perpetuate. Civility, kept at a net deficit, the society will collapse. This phenomenon has been consistent throughout the history of mankind.
Civility is not the absence of debates on divergent views by members of the society. It is not the ‘turning of the chic the other way’ and allow injustices in the society; by extension, condoning injustice. In fact, most atrocities and the destruction of many societies came about – not because there weren’t enough good people, but because good people simply said nothing or did nothing!
To contrast opposing views and to engage in passionate debates are healthy for any dynamic society, and more so for a vibrant democracy. Clash of doctrines and strong convictions should only help sharpen our perceptions, open for us new windows for healthier classifications, and spur society’s ingenuity to new heights and possibilities. Such is the case when we enter debates in quest for truth and for the benefit of the society.
In quest to that noble end, it is important to remember that – the ‘profound’ logic, reason and facts with which you made your own classification isn’t absolute. We should be reluctant to render our brother as an ‘unsafe-able’ bigot, a soulless racist or a ‘permanent’ tribalist, to whom our noble classification might be elusive to – NOW.
It is normal for a descent person to find racism and tribalism, and all other forms of bigotry detestable. But without excusing the bigotry, isn’t it also true that each person’s unique journey, experience and level of awareness shapes their perception that brought them to that ‘low point’ and ignobility we so despise?
We can blame nature or heredity for intellectual deficiency, but it is the duty of the society to enlighten its members to dispel ignorance. Instead of honest attempts at erudition and benefit, we often aim at gaining superficial advantages and self-aggrandizement; the common sin of the ‘intellectual’ class.
Not in orations and protestations are we learning anything new; but in careful listening and honest reflection can we learn something from opponents. The path to erudition can be polished by fierce opposition, and even by persons we might find detestable in our own estimates. Even in the emptiness of profound stupidity and ignobility – there can be invaluable lessons to be deduced.
Each man is unique. Our journeys aren’t same. Our trials are different. Some of us might be raised under privileged circumstances, whilst others only know of pain and privation. They could be lonely amidst vibrant crowds; behind their smile might be lurking deep sadness and resentment for the ills and injustices they suffered in private. Their bitterness and fanaticism might only be an outgrowth of their wounded pride, the humiliation in their private lives, and might be their honest cry for respect and acceptance.
The emotional bile they stored is perhaps rooted in circumstances which few souls can endure. So they drag to the public square their ‘righteous’ indignation, and viciously spew it all out in political posture to force the society to hear their cries, sense their rage, and feel the pain of their privation.
It takes strength to offer a political or an ideological opponent a way to save face; knowing it can always blow back on your face. It is still well worth trying – for their is always a chance for every ‘bigot’ or ‘demagogue’ to drop that brutal mask they carry around and let a humane face emerge.
Though we love to project mechanical strength even from behind keyboards, human nature remains fragile and very vulnerable; therefore, the hope for salvation for all the members of our people shall always remain a constant among the variables.
We must not view our opponents as enemies or permanent nemesis. The politics of bigotry can raise in us a dark passion, weaken our bonds with fellow countrymen, but it should never break our resolve to leave behind a better, more just and a more tolerant world for our children.
Civility must not be an option, but the ultimate choice in our political discourse. Our bonds of affection must never perish. We don’t teach virtue by mean ways. So I agree with the Platonic argument that; it is not the business of a good man to punish the bad man. It is most fitting for the good man to stick to his noble ways. But it is also part of civility and the business of a good man to see justice through.
It is best to show genuine interest in understanding the opponent’s views and even their individual stories if they chance to share. To reserve judgment and assume fallibility of your own strong convictions.
We don’t have to agree with people to acknowledge them and be respectful to their views. Acknowledging a bigoted view is not condoning it; but by lowly listening you’ll have a chance to show a better way. We don’t show character in how we agree but rather in how we disagree.
Now, I have to admit, there are times that I’m betrayed by these clear reasons and equanimity of civility I’m proposing. For example; I’m easily stupefied whenever it’s suggested to forgive murder by subverting justice – in the name of God, religion or in the interest of the nation. On hearing such, the words that flows to my lips are often profane and vindictive. It’s a fleeting thought, but nevertheless a personal low point of my own struggles with civility. I hope to also improve.
Justice is the highest virtue of every descent society, and to impart it – is the noblest act by its members. We should remain unapologetic in submission to this higher law, nor shall we be charitable to support its subversion; but with civility shall we still engage one another in its discourse.
When truth is imparted, it is enough that it is stated with clarity and precision. Truth and reality are self-dependent. Beating of chest and stomping of the ground will add naught to their intrinsic worth.
Arguments, in essence, aren’t to convince oneself and like minds. The aim of an honest argument is to win over hearts and minds for the course of justice; to seek converts to a higher calling; or to seek a common ground with opponents for the betterment of the society. If our highest course is to see justice through – the principles that escorts its delivery must remain stern and uncompromising, yet the methods – most be civil, charitable and gentle.
With civility, love and empathy we will appeal to the better angels of our nature. Never underestimate your input of goodwill no matter how meager. The trajectory of a nation can be tilted in a single act of charity; the faith of the people can be restore by a single staunch man of goodwill; and you, dear reader, with your civility, can touch a life with a single word of love.
