Page 5 - Division, Intolerance, and Conflict: Can Public Civility Ever Be Restored?

“There is defi nitely a subset
The rules of civility that govern be- of people that don’t seem to
havior in public were also tested by other think that any of the rules
issues related to the pandemic. A record apply to them.” 2
number of employees quit their jobs for —Adam Mosley, fl ight attendant
various reasons, including the inability to
arrange child care and fear of contract-
ing the disease. This resulted in staff shortages, empty shelves in
stores and supermarkets, and higher prices everywhere. Custom-
ers affected by these problems tended to take out their anger and
frustration on employees, the nearest target. Annabelle Cardona,
who works at a home-improvement store in Massachusetts, says
she deals with out-of-control customers all the time. The scream-
ing used to make her weep, but no longer. “I’ve been calloused
by it,” she says. “Now, instead of crying, I’m just really pessimistic
and judgmental against the people around me.” 3
The pandemic is not entirely to blame for bad behavior. People
seem to have been getting more emotional for years, and many
blame the media. There are entire industries that profi t by stoking
division, intolerance, and confl ict. Some of the most popular pod-
casts, radio talk shows, and cable news programs keep viewers
amped up and angry. Hosts of these shows spew incendiary lan-
guage to blame minorities, immigrants, and political opponents
for the ills of the nation. Those who hold different political or ethi-
cal beliefs are described as vile, unpatriotic, un-American, and
even treasonous. This has led to a spike in threats and actual
physical violence directed at politicians, poll workers, teachers,
health care workers, scientists, and others.

Bad for the Body
Mental health professionals have long known that unmanaged an-
ger can turn into aggression. Often the targets of that aggression
are spouses, siblings, and friends. But within the social sphere,
millions direct their anger at those who look, think, or act differently
from them. And unchecked rage is bad not only for victims but
also for those who live with a mix of toxic emotions. Being angry

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