What do you think accounts for the rise in incivility?

[felix_numinous]

60. I think incivility has gone mainstream

I am not sure there has ever been so many forms of explicitly violent and insulting entertainment, well since the Roman Colosseum days. Human beings have the capacity to be gentle and civilized--or we can be wild and cruel. It is one paradox of being human--but it is a myth that we have no choice in how to behave. Every time we open our mouths to speak, or decide to type, or act--there is a moment when we have a choice.

Storytelling is the oldest way we have of interpreting our existence in this world--and I think too often we underestimate how powerful it can be, both as a mirror of the times, and in the effect it has on the audience.

The popular archetypes of vampire and werewolf that are so popular right now--are a way of people working out the wildest aspects of our natures. The phenomena of compulsion, of being a willing victim, or of being charmed and controlled by someone have to do with the myth of no personal choice. I find this myth fascinating, why it is so strong right now (amongst so many other myths) --it came to me the other night, that vampires and dark characters are often: sociopathic, charming and beautiful, irresistible, from rich exclusive bloodlines that have ancient vendettas against each other, and it is just a fact that they are here and part of our dystopia. We have 'no choice' but to put up with these dangerous creatures. And we are doomed if we become 'bitten' by them. Myths and stories are very powerful, whether from fiction, non fiction, or formed in the context of news, or through the interpretation of sacred texts.

I think that one aspect of civility as the result of an awareness that power has nothing to do with compulsion, it has to do with the ability to transcend it.

This is a wonderful thread I love discussions like this.