Opinion: Let’s transform this statistic

Commentary by Jeff Worrell 

A recent Pew Research Center study reveals a sobering statistic: half of Americans believe that people have become ruder since the pandemic began. I want to be optimistic (maybe naïve) and believe it not so, but the numbers appear not to lie.

The study does a good job describing the behaviors considered rude but doesn’t explain why the rudeness is growing. Regardless, frustration and poor behavior bubbles over in public spaces, online forums and even our neighborhoods. In a time when reconnection should be our priority, polarization seems to be growing.

That is why I see an opportunity. Civility is not a relic of the past; it’s a dynamic, forward-moving movement that can unite us. It’s the small acts — holding the door, pausing to listen, taking a moment to offer a kind word — that ripple outward, restoring the sense of community we so desperately need. Authenticity paired with respect can bridge divides and foster understanding.

Civility is not a passive ideal; it’s an active choice. Let’s champion kindness and project respect as the cornerstone of our shared spaces. Together, we can transform a disheartening statistic into a rallying cry for change. The road ahead is challenging, but through civility, we can rediscover the strength to tamp down rudeness.