So let us begin anew -- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy (Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961).
Perhaps it is an influx of new users, some of whom have joined the community not to be part of it, but, rather, to instigate derision and dissension.
Perhaps it is the fatigue of so many large enervating problems that seem resistant to solutions or are taking so long to solve.
Perhaps it is the grey cold of November ~ a November that, this year, lacks the pure joy of last:
But whatever the reason or basis, there is no excuse for the recent outbreak of incivility and just plain bad manners here at Daily Kos. This, simply, is not what we are about; we are better than this.
(h/t SallyCat)
As progressives, we should debate ideas, not people.
Perhaps the most Rovian move of the past Presidential election (continued, on a daily basis on such idiot streams as Free Republic) was the selling of the idea that the election of President Obama (and his continued popularity) were/are all part of a "cult of personality." There was, of course, no President in history whose election and and re-election were more a result of a "cult of personality" than George W. Bush. This was, after all, a man who claimed to speak with God.
Here, we debate ideas. Disagreements about the ideas expressed should be met with countervailing (and better or smarter) ideas. Though there is no reason to engage with users whose obvious purpose is disruption or hatred, engaging with good community members whose ideas you disagree with should be accomplished with polite disagreement and suggestions of other/better ideas. Who knows? You might win a convert.
See how easy it is?
As progressives, we should treat each other with respect.
This community has a quarter of a million members now. It’s doubtful that any of us agrees with everyone else here. Disagreement is part of our American heritage: we are a nation of strongly-held views. But, as a community, we must also be a nation of listeners.
Good Manners are an increasingly archaic school of thought that displays respect, care, and consideration.
Hallmarks of respect and good manners (on-line and elsewhere):
Paying attention to what someone else is actually saying.
Listening.
Speaking kindly.
Assuming the best about the person with whom you are in discussion.
Respecting the opinions of others.
Accepting and giving praise.
Apologizing earnestly.
Taking responsibility.
Accepting and giving constructive criticism.
Refraining from idle complaints (though never from pootie pictures).
Choose Civility. (Disclaimer ~ There is actually nothing there about pootie pictures.)
We are much more likely to win over those who disagree with us by posting respectful, considered comments than by engaging in angry exchanges.
Let’s not forget the kittens:
As progressives, we need to remember that each of us has personal goals that are extremely important to us as individuals.
I am passionate about our military, animals, equal rights for all of us (including our GLTB brothers and sisters) and making sure that every American has sufficient food and medical care. Each of us has causes we care about deeply.
We need to respect the personal passions of our fellow community members and support them when they ask for assistance.
As members of a diverse community, we need to remember that our personal passions may not be shared by everyone else. If you are not interested in animals/environmentalism/cooking/history (whatever), please do not enter a diary on the topic to express it. You are entirely free to ignore diaries about subjects which you do not find interesting. Good manners dictate that you not enter any such diary for the purpose of disclaiming those who are. Being disruptive or argumentative just because you can be is not a progressive value.
Yup. There’s a whole lot wrong on in the internet. Some of it just needs to be left alone.
Disruptive people thrive on being disruptive. If no one engages them, they fail in their essential purpose. Post a disapproving comment. Move on. Why fight with a block of cheese who has access to a keyboard?
As progressives, we need to remember that words can hurt.
I have been dismayed to read comments posted at this best of progressive sites that were, in no uncertain terms, both disrespectful and horrifying. Those who decide to engage in name-calling (and other unprogressive activities) are generally called out (rightfully so) -- but why are they posting these sorts of things in the first place? Mostly, I think, to gain attention. Don’t give it to them.
We are not the thought-police. And, as progressives, we honor the right to dissent. That having been said, let us remember that we are a community, but that we have different experiences and backgrounds and beliefs. And no one here has any "right" to disparage anyone else as a result of his/her religion or gender or abilities or education or any other "status." To do so is anti-progressive.
As progressives, we need to be kind.
Kindness is a basic progressive value.
Say thank you in response to diaries or comments you appreciated. Apologize if you have made a mistake or have been having a hard day and wrote something you regret. (I have made many mistakes here; I have always been grateful for kind comments pointing out my mistakes. There are so many people here who know more than I do about so many subjects and from whom I can learn. This is a great strength of this community -- embrace it.)
Life be not so short but that there is always time for courtesy. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson