Roy Lloyd: Raising the Level of Discourse

Why has our society become so coarse, crude, and mean-spirited? 

Some of the harm stems from the indecent language of broadcasters, news organizations and bloggers who are highly offensive in describing those with whom they disagree. 

Adding to this nasty tone in discourse were the foul-mouthed campaign ads for G.O.P. candidates in the recent Iowa straw polls, and the campaign season still has a year to go! 

And we have our own loathsome attitudes here in New York.  Islamic centers and synagogues are targeted for bombs and arson by those filled with hatred; drivers are running people down and shouting expletives because they decide the traffic laws don't apply to them; the able-bodied are convinced they deserve to sit on the subway and bus while the elderly, ill and pregnant can just stand. 

These self-righteous opinions are repugnant.  So it's up to all of us to reject what is uncivil and to raise the level of discourse. 

The New Testament letter to the Ephesians says it clearly: "Entirely out of place is obscene, silly and vulgar talk."  We should say what we mean, mean what we say, but we don't have to be mean in how we say it. 

This is Roy Lloyd.

[Originally presented as a commentary on 1010 WINS in New York City.]