What do you think accounts for the rise in incivility?

[earthside]

18. Stress, Alienation, Tribalism, Etc.

There are a lot of social and economic causes, in my estimation, for the rise in incivility --- but a lot of it has to do with the decline of the middle class and the rise of the corporate state.

And there is more incivility than there used to be, if for no other reason than the now ubiquitous internet gives individuals more places and a broader platform to be bigoted, mean, blustering, etc. No doubt that coupled with hundreds of satellite/cable television channels that spew all kinds of crap, the crassness contained therein spills over into our daily lives everywhere.

And, in my opinion, this incivility is not partisan -- conservatives side with corporations that program and profit from some of the most disgusting television and movie content ever produced; liberals get caught-up in the 'no censorship' side that makes it difficult to say some things are just beyond the pale.

This incivility and crassness in the popular culture gives folks 'permission' to replicate that behavior in everyday life --- especially when there is growing anger and uncertainty over job security, healthcare costs, political deadlock.

I think the more dangerous aspects of this are that average people see Wall Streeters committing crimes and enriching themselves and they get rewarded for their incivility --- why then should they then do anything extra to obey the rules and laws? Ultimately, the democratic process and the economy can collapse when no one believes that they can trust the 'system' anymore and that it simply doesn't work for them.

The liberal-progressive take on this, in my opinion, should be for a reemphasis on respect for other people -- it is not censorship when a person has enough common respect for the sensibilities of other not to be spouting obscenities in the grocery store line or on their t-shirt. It is respectful of others to consider their situation and not park in the the fire lane in front of the store because you think your immediate needs take precedence over everyone else who finds a regular parking spot. (Those are a couple of my personal incivility pet peeves.)