Taking a Dialectical Approach toward Understanding an Issue (Essay Sample)

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Online Civility
Civility could be described as a virtue that is slowly disappearing into oblivion. From politics, to business and society, people are presently less likely to be mindful of the consequences of what they say or how they say it. The inception of the internet has worsened the already sour situation as it has availed a platform for one-and-all to air out whatever hits their heads. In this light, this paper reflects on various articles concerning civility and pays special attention to online civility. One of the articles is Obama’s speech on a graduation ceremony at the Michigan University. In this article, Obama looks into the issue of democracy and the ongoing political debates. Obama seeks to advice the grandaunts on how they ought to conduct their arguments with sobriety by means of civility. The other article is Stafford’s analysis of how the unregulated online discussions have led to the suppression of talent. Stafford’s case study is the management issues surrounding King’s Tribune. The paper also attempts to deduce some possible solutions for the culminating problem.
In his speech at a graduation ceremony in the Michigan University, President Obama highlights the problems that surround the lack of civility in the context of the American democracy. He argues that with the present trend, the diversity among Americans is leading to more problems than it closes into solutions. Without civility the discussions among people will deepen rifts as people will have varying different points of view regarding a particular issue. If everyone were allowed to have their way through every small situation that arises, then there would be anarchy and disorganization.
Obama acknowledges that differences among people especially towards political issues have been existent for the longest time that anyone would recall. These differences have however led to the solidification of democracy and the creation of the strongest political system in the world. He is, however, aggrieved that the lack of civility in the present political world could be detrimental to democracy. At the beginning of his speech, he recapitulates some of the letters of citizens he has read and is confused by one from a kid who enquires on whether people are polite to him. Obama explains his understanding of political opposition that surrounds him. He even asserts that there are those who call him ‘idiot’ in their letters. Amazingly, he is not worried of the building oppositions since he understands that it has been for centuries. What worries him is the debate that people have at the grass-root levels.
Is speech narrows down to address the media through which people hold debates. He cites the emergence of numerous platforms that are accessible to people with much ease, and where anyone is allowed to express their opinion about a contemporary issue. He recalls the days when there were a few television stations and a few loyal papers and claims that democracy was more stable at that time. According to Obama, America needs a reformed news sector as opposed to the present one that is dominated by attention-seekers and people who are only out to create mountains from ant-hills. Obama then focuses on the internet; he observes that people have drifted from civility in their public debates. They have resorted to calling others names that are insinuative of hatred and contempt.
Obama refers to the discussion forums as the "24/7 echo-chambers;" Andrew Stafford in his article, "Who are these haters that poison the well of our discourse,’’ looks at the platform and recalls children’s playgrounds where bullies always won. Stafford’s opening remarks introduce his grievances about how unfair the online debate, discussions and conversations are out to suppress talent and critical thinking unless it is monitored and adequately controlled. He begins with a look at the Kings Tribune editors’ decision to close the comments section on their website. They resorted to the old methods such as mail, and even post.
At this point, Stafford shares equal sentiments as Obama that the past was more controllable than the amorphous present. For instance, Stafford observes that anonymity of the users who make use of discussion forums does not lead to any civility. Anonymous individuals can say anything that they wish since they are not easily discoverable and traceable. As much as the King’s Tribune is dependent on opinion and debate, the lack of civility in the discussions led to their decision of closing them down. Owing to the fact that the entity is young and the editors have had to maintain their day-jobs, they do not have time to monitor and moderate conversations that are dominated by bullies. Such factors have led to the killing of careers and the suppression of talent. Stafford continues to observe that it is not that the most successful online ventures and personalities have the best skills there can be, but that controversy is the center of their attraction.
On the same note, Andrea Wekcerle in the book, "Civility in the Digital Age: Who are the Troublemakers?" reflects on the case of Danny Brown, a marketer and award-winning blogger who also was the Vice President of Partner Strategy at Jungoo Inc. (Weckerle). Brown goes out shopping with his wife and comes back to find Facebook alerts of posts and messages sent through his account to friends and family (Weckerle). His account had been hacked!
Most likely, the offender was aiming at defaming Brown and the company he worked for. This is one of the many cases in which civility has been disregarded on an internet platform. In response to the offender, Brown sends back uncensored posts to hit back. In my opinion, this was an effective way of dealing with the bullies but he failed in that he did not respect the rules of civility. However, just like Obama explains, there is no room for the faint-hearted and the thin-skinned; this could be the point he could have been driving at.
The defamer is not different from those who assume fake personalities and identities and those who attack other people for the fun of it. These unscrupulous individuals could be characterized as the power-hungry and those whose aggressiveness leaves behind victims when they attack. The victims are left to fear for themselves, their careers, their families and friends. Stafford sarcastically ...