2010: Civility in Public Discourse

2010: Civility in Public Discourse Hero Image
Media gallery
President Smolla introducing the panelists
President Smolla introducing the panelists
President Smolla introducing the panelists
President Smolla introducing our three guests via teleconference. They are Furman alums Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com), and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy.
President Smolla introducing our three guests via teleconference. They are Furman alums Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com), and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy.
President Smolla introducing our three guests via teleconference. They are Furman alums Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com), and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy.
Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com) top right, and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy, lower right.
Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com) top right, and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy, lower right.
Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com) top right, and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy, lower right.
Furman professor of psychology Beth Pontari
Furman professor of psychology Beth Pontari
Furman professor of psychology Beth Pontari
Furman student Katie Fearington and Furman professor of political science Brent Nelsen
Furman student Katie Fearington and Furman professor of political science Brent Nelsen
Furman student Katie Fearington and Furman professor of political science Brent Nelsen
President Smolla directs the first question,
President Smolla directs the first question, "What is the health of discourse in America?", to our remote participants, Eleanor, Randy and Carl
President Smolla directs the first question,
Eleanor Beardsley is concerned about the unhealthy state of public discourse
Eleanor Beardsley is concerned about the unhealthy state of public discourse
Eleanor Beardsley is concerned about the unhealthy state of public discourse
Randy Eaddy contends that accuracy of information (facts!) matters
Randy Eaddy contends that accuracy of information (facts!) matters
Randy Eaddy contends that accuracy of information (facts!) matters
Carl Sullivan thinks civil discourse suffers when people find it easy to dismiss an opposing view
Carl Sullivan thinks civil discourse suffers when people find it easy to dismiss an opposing view
Carl Sullivan thinks civil discourse suffers when people find it easy to dismiss an opposing view
Beth Pontari commenting on the health of discourse in America
Beth Pontari commenting on the health of discourse in America
Beth Pontari commenting on the health of discourse in America
Furman student Brandon Tensley '12 is a German studies and political science double major
Furman student Brandon Tensley '12 is a German studies and political science double major
Furman student Brandon Tensley '12 is a German studies and political science double major
Furman professor of philosophy David Gandolfo
Furman professor of philosophy David Gandolfo
Furman professor of philosophy David Gandolfo
Beth Pontari notes that people want validation of their ideas
Beth Pontari notes that people want validation of their ideas
Beth Pontari notes that people want validation of their ideas
This discussion was attended by Furman faculty, staff and students as well as community members
This discussion was attended by Furman faculty, staff and students as well as community members
This discussion was attended by Furman faculty, staff and students as well as community members
Furman student Michael Chiu '11 is a double major in history and communication studies
Furman student Michael Chiu '11 is a double major in history and communication studies
Furman student Michael Chiu '11 is a double major in history and communication studies
Michael tells the audience that we need to ask ourselves if we are part of the problem
Michael tells the audience that we need to ask ourselves if we are part of the problem
Michael tells the audience that we need to ask ourselves if we are part of the problem
Furman professor of communications Cynthia King notes the 24 hour news cycle has changed public discourse
Furman professor of communications Cynthia King notes the 24 hour news cycle has changed public discourse
Furman professor of communications Cynthia King notes the 24 hour news cycle has changed public discourse
Former SC Governor and US Secretary of Education Richard Riley
Former SC Governor and US Secretary of Education Richard Riley
Former SC Governor and US Secretary of Education Richard Riley
Secretary Riley wonders if the country has lost its center
Secretary Riley wonders if the country has lost its center
Secretary Riley wonders if the country has lost its center
Brent Nelsen reminds the audience that American history is full of incivility in public discourse
Brent Nelsen reminds the audience that American history is full of incivility in public discourse
Brent Nelsen reminds the audience that American history is full of incivility in public discourse
President Smolla
President Smolla
President Smolla
David Gandolfo responding to the question,
David Gandolfo responding to the question, "What is meant by civility?"
David Gandolfo responding to the question,
David Gandolfo argues that discourse is no longer about truth, but is about winning
David Gandolfo argues that discourse is no longer about truth, but is about winning
David Gandolfo argues that discourse is no longer about truth, but is about winning
Furman student Shannon Cantwell '11 is an economics and political science double major. She thinks students need to step out of their comfort zone
Furman student Shannon Cantwell '11 is an economics and political science double major. She thinks students need to step out of their comfort zone
Furman student Shannon Cantwell '11 is an economics and political science double major. She thinks students need to step out of their comfort zone
George Johnson, adjunct professor in the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies at USC, thinks civility begins in the home
George Johnson, adjunct professor in the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies at USC, thinks civility begins in the home
George Johnson, adjunct professor in the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies at USC, thinks civility begins in the home
Furman student Katie Fearington '14 plans to major in political science. She points out that college students make up 1% of the population and could lead the way on instituting healthy discourse
Furman student Katie Fearington '14 plans to major in political science. She points out that college students make up 1% of the population and could lead the way on instituting healthy discourse
Furman student Katie Fearington '14 plans to major in political science. She points out that college students make up 1% of the population and could lead the way on instituting healthy discourse
Brann Fowler '11 is a history and political science double major
Brann Fowler '11 is a history and political science double major
Brann Fowler '11 is a history and political science double major
Brann thinks civil discourse is vital and enables people with differing views to get along
Brann thinks civil discourse is vital and enables people with differing views to get along
Brann thinks civil discourse is vital and enables people with differing views to get along
The audience applauded Brann for his forthright and witty comments
The audience applauded Brann for his forthright and witty comments
The audience applauded Brann for his forthright and witty comments
Brandon Tensley suggests that students learn how to address sensitive topics
Brandon Tensley suggests that students learn how to address sensitive topics
Brandon Tensley suggests that students learn how to address sensitive topics
(l-r) David Gandolfo, Brandon Tensley, Beth Pontari and Shannon Cantwell
(l-r) David Gandolfo, Brandon Tensley, Beth Pontari and Shannon Cantwell
(l-r) David Gandolfo, Brandon Tensley, Beth Pontari and Shannon Cantwell
The panelists and President Smolla
The panelists and President Smolla
The panelists and President Smolla
Secretary Riley further discusses civility in public discourse
Secretary Riley further discusses civility in public discourse
Secretary Riley further discusses civility in public discourse
Brent Nelsen making some final comments
Brent Nelsen making some final comments
Brent Nelsen making some final comments
President Smolla summarizing the discussion with his closing remarks
President Smolla summarizing the discussion with his closing remarks
President Smolla summarizing the discussion with his closing remarks
Smolla thanks the panelists and audience for their attention to this important and timely subject
Smolla thanks the panelists and audience for their attention to this important and timely subject
Smolla thanks the panelists and audience for their attention to this important and timely subject
George Johnson and Michael Chiu
George Johnson and Michael Chiu
George Johnson and Michael Chiu
Secretary Riley and Brann Fowler
Secretary Riley and Brann Fowler
Secretary Riley and Brann Fowler

American Politics and Policy

Civility in Public Discourse
October 21, 2010

Why is it that the focus of today’s public discourse seems to be on “winning” rather than considering differing viewpoints? Social media, such as Twitter and blogging, as well as talk radio and cable television, exacerbate the problem. Is this something that should concern us? What can we do as a Furman community to improve the quality of public discourse?

Furman students, faculty, alumni, and trustees discussed these issues with President Rod Smolla during a lively conversation on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Furman University in Daniel Recital Hall. Participating were eleven on-stage panelists as well as Furman alums Eleanor Beardsley (NPR Paris), Carl Sullivan (MSN.com), and legal scholar and civic leader, Randy Eaddy, via teleconference.  For a list of participants and brief biographies, click here.

To view this event, click here.

Unfortunately, our public discourse is no longer about an exchange of ideas, but rather has become an “echo chamber,” with folks interested in hearing only their own voice or voices just like theirs, Carl Sullivan observed. Moreover, Eleanor Beardsley and Randy Eaddy contended, the issue is not limited to how people interact with each other when they disagree but is complicated by an underlying lack of integrity in choosing what one presents as facts. Nowadays, Beardsley quipped, it is “chic to be ignorant.”

Trustees Richard Riley and George Johnson and professors Beth Pontari, Brent Nelsen, David Gandolfo, and Cynthia King pointed out that in order to have value and civility, public discourse must include a high regard for accuracy of information and a fundamental attitude of good will and good sense. The focus of public discourse needs to shift from narcissism to a posture of humility. Humility is essential, as one must consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, he or she is wrong.

Furman students Brann Fowler, Katie Fearington, Michael Chiu, Brandon Tensley, and Shannon Cantwell were also concerned about the state of public discourse today and suggested college students can be part of the solution by keeping an open mind and using the college experience as a time to expand their views. They recognize that communication is complex, and in public discourse it is important to consider context and think critically.

As Furman students pursue opportunities to be good citizens, present facts with integrity, and consider others’ perspectives with good will, good faith, and common sense, they can lead the way in moving public discourse to a place of civility.