Civility in politics faces numerous obstacles. Hyper-partisanship has created an environment where compromise is often seen as a weakness rather than a necessary tool for governance. When politicians and citizens prioritize ideological purity over constructive dialogue, the space for civil discourse diminishes. Dr. Christopher Lynch, a Missouri State University political science professor, said that civil conversations aim to genuinely understand another position different from ours. Lynch was interviewed about why it’s important to maintain civility in political discussions and how to achieve it following a national survey on why political-based conflict was rising ahead of the November 2024 election. Dr. LeAnn Brazeal, associate professor of communication, added that the goal of conversations should not be to win but to understand. “Genuine listening helps us understand and see where our interests intersect,” she said. I agree with Brazeal and Lynch that a more productive approach is to seek a deeper understanding of the complex factors that contribute to different perspectives. Doing so can help reduce polarization and foster more constructive dialogue.
