Examining civility

What has happened to civility in society? Has it declined? Or are we just more aware of the shortcomings today with all the media surrounding us?

We wanted to know, so beginning next Sunday in the Reading Eagle we will run a five-day series exploring the decline of civility. It’s an important subject, one you won’t want to miss.

The seed for it was planted almost three years ago. My family was on vacation at Walt Disney World in Orlando, one of our favorite places. There is a great transportation system connecting the parks, and we used it several times every day. But they fill the buses to the point of standing room. And, generally, if you were the first on, you got a seat; last on, you stood.

What amazed me was the number of young people who would sit and not give up their seats to older people and women with children. I’m proud to say we were not among them. My son and sons-in-law know better than to act in such a discourteous manner. So, many times, we stood.

It hit home on one late-night ride back to the hotel, as I stood, holding my sleeping granddaughter, next to a seated and obviously fit and healthy young man in a college football jersey, who easily could have played for that school. And standing with me were many older people.

Why would someone act that way?

After that, I became more aware of discourteous or, in my mind, inappropriate behavior: Language that many find utterly offensive spoken openly in public, sexually explicit dress, road rage, lack of common courtesy and good manners.

Has it gotten worse, or had I not been paying attention to it as much?
It was the perfect opportunity to develop and present a newspaper package on a social issue that impacts and would interest our readers.

And if there was any doubt about the need to address the subject, it was erased during the victory celebration for the Philadelphia Phillies’ World Series championship.

My favorite player on this team was Chase Utley. He worked hard and seemed very positive. Seldom speaking, he seemed to let his play speak for him. Until the celebration, when before a full stadium he shouted the f-word over the PA system — intentionally.

And those in the stadium cheered.

I started in the newspaper business 35 years ago covering sports. I’ve heard the locker room talk. But not to a full stadium with young children present. What message did that really send from someone who, like it or not, is a role model?

Again I asked, "What is wrong with society?" I really don’t believe civility has disappeared. In fact, most people still are generally courteous, kind and respectful. But has civility declined?

So we assigned reporters Don Spatz, Darrin Youker and Michelle Park and photographers Ben Hasty, Jeremy Drey and Lauren Little to explore the subject, and we put the project under the direction of Assistant News Editor Mark Nemirow.

In addition to what you can read in print starting Sunday, there will be special features on readingeagle.com, including videotaped roundtable discussions and opportunities for you to get involved in an important discussion about the decline of civility.

So I cordially invite you to read it and get involved with it.

Please.