Why Civility

     Michelle

Chapter 1

    The book opens up by stating that civility has become a thing of the past. It is something that this generation has not been properly instilled with. In turn incivility has become something to market and sell. It is even promoted in a lot of today's mass media. The book's purpose is to address problems with civility, focusing specific on college students and problems they may encounter on their college campuses.

The book defines civility as two things. The first comes from the origin of the word. "The modern English word civility comes from the Latin term civitas, meaning city in the sense of civic communities,"(page 6). This means we have a duty to be a useful citizen in our communities. This definition was intended to be broad and inclusive of the principles and laws of civility developed by Forni. The other definition can be summarized as the basic Golden rule, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" or in modern terms treat people the way you want to be treated. The book also explains what practicing civility looks like, and it is simply conducting yourself properly and respecting others.

The book explains that is chose college campuses because incivility is a growing crisis on college campuses. The book uses examples such as celebratory riots and the epidemic of rape and school shootings across the country, which are all results of uncivil behavior. The conflict with correcting this behavior arises because of the massive shift in American colleges organizational philosophy. The original "family away from home" and loco parentis, meaning "in the place of a parent", role of administrators of American colleges was changed drastically after the Civil War to German system. This new system focuses on individual research and personal development which gives colleges less of a chance to implement the morals many college students may need. This confuses the role of the administrators and the students, but the book argues their is still room for moral educations that American colleges must adapt.

The book goes on to describe what generation of people make up college students today. The book calls this generation Millennials, a generation that is more helpful than past generations, but has a tendency to be self absorbed and having lack of respect for others. This is a generation obsessed with incivility in all forms of popular media, interaction, causal sex and etc.

 The book plans on addressing the issues college students in today's generation deal with. By implementing civility laws early and designating administrators, we can reserve the trend on incivility.

Civil vs. Uncivil Video

Civility Movie

Residential Life

Chapter 5: Residential LifeSena Adjei

This chapter talks about the proper ways to conduct oneself within the dorms of any given university. It explores the ideas of relationships between roommates, how to create a certain atmosphere in ones dorm room, and the possible dangers of dormitory life. The three main points of the chapter I was assigned was to expand upon the idea of civil and ethical behavior with those you’re living with. The most important concepts are as follows: For any healthy interpersonal relationship to form the individuals must have a profound and sincere respect for one another whether their behavior be civil or strained. Secondly, when a disagreement does propagate staying silent does nothing to remedy the situation, and dancing around the topic at hand in the hopes that the person you’re sharing your space with gets the idea doesn’t accomplish anything either. To effectively eliminate a hostile environment one must be clear, concise and understanding. Finally, a hostile environment whether it be in the realm of illegal substances, offensive dorm posters or illegal download activity within the dorm room these things are all potentially dangerous aspects of dorm life and boundaries must be clearly set in order for them to be avoided.

In my opinion, within the context of Hampton University many of these basic principles of proper dorm conduct are either ignored or outright rejected. Ties between my roommate and I are even strained occasionally because of our lack of respect for one another and the space of the other, and the other week, a girl was even caught attempting to sneak out of the window of her dorm and jeopardized the college experience of not only everyone in her dorm, but everyone in any dorm on campus. To deal with these issues, there must be open communication channels between roommates and the administration to the tenants beyond the ground rules being stated and reiterated with no attempts to sincerely connect the importance of following them with the individuals that reside within the dormitories, there can be no genuine growth. Through peer to peer communication, or any intimate personal communication there can be real and relevant bonds made between the individuals within the dorms, the rules of the dorms, and the administrators enforcing them.

Chapter 6: Healthy Behaviors

In Search of Civility: Healthy Behaviors

Chapter 6 Summary

By: Deja J. Totten

During chapter six the author states the different behaviors college students tend to be active in. One of the main activities that these students tend to be more engaged in is drinking and smoking of marijuana. Students are more likely to have already had prior involvement with both of these substances before stepping foot onto a college campus. The author stated that the influence of peers increases the likelihood that a student would engage in these illegal behaviors without others around them. Also, the risk of college students participating in these activities and influenced by Greek life. The alcohol and illegal drug activity leads to uncivil behavior. The author also touched on how girls on college campus go through different behaviors like eating disorders and depression. When you are away from and go through a break-up that could have a change in your normal routine. If your roommate notices these it could cause them to think you are in a depressed state. Girls in today’s society has an image to uphold and that could affect the way she normally eats and who she hangs around. In college guys use the one night stands a lot more than they would at home. These comes from thinking that they want see that female anymore and his just living his life. Later on this could cause you to be hated by a lot of females on campus while your friends think you are the man. These behaviors are exposed a lot often during freshman and sophomore year of college.

Since I’ve been on Hampton’s campus the drinking and smoking has been big with the freshman class. I wouldn’t know a lot about the upper classmen because they tend to just do their own thing unless they are asked for help by an underclassmen. What I have witnessed since the middle of September the freshman class has been engaged with these illegal stuff. Most of them had already prior experience back home and continue to be involved with the substances. The also just don’t do one they actually like to do both. Some students have changed their eating habits due to their schedules. Some girls have been a little anti-social because they miss home but ii think with time everything will be back to normal for them. Hooks on campus I really wouldn't know about, because I’m the type of person to stay to myself and not know anyone’s sexual life.  That’s just me I wouldn't want anyone all up in my personal life like that, some things are just meant to be private.

The activities students engage in is their choice, it’s really nothing anybody can say or do to stop them from doing what they enjoy. My only real and true advice is to these students they drink and smoke is be safe. I would also tell them to watch their drinks and always go out in groups because once you are intoxicated you never know what behavior others or yourself will be involved in. Females are going to go through stages in their life were they want to go through weight loss and everything of that nature. I would tell any female to lose weight according to how they truly feel about their selves. Depression comes and goes it’s up to the person to allow it to run their lives. One night stands are never okay in my book, but some like that sort of thing just be safe with it.  I would tell guys to have some type of standards when they choose these girls to have that one night with. Some girls are not all good so I wouldn't want guys to get trapped in a girl’s pretty face. The advice I would give females is to not think that once you let a guy have sex with that he’s supposed to become your boyfriend. All guys don’t want relationships through college it’s their time to explore their options. My biggest advice is to have your own mind set and responsible. 

In Search of Civility: Greek System

Chapter 2 Summary

 By: Jordan McClendon

   During this chapter the author discussed the idea of civility through the Greek system. It is important to note the prominence of Greeks in our everyday society. As of the year 2000, it had been noted by researchers that 324 universities/ colleges recognize Greeks, 242, 332 are already active members and that there are 86,450 pledges, and that within the student body that 17.5% of the population was apart of the Greek population. In addition to these numbers, 95% of the Supreme Court Justices since the 1980s have claimed Greek. Although organizations do many things that display civility such as charity donations and community service, they also have been associated with uncivil acts as well. One of the most important is that of "compulsive conformity". This act can be attributed to Greek organizations attempting to maintain their "look" and their core ideals. This look involves a strict "character model", this character model is often based off of looks, instead of meaningful ideals such as G.P.A. and social standing. All in all these superficial factors hold a higher standing, the Greek system insures that they uphold a commitment to "diversity and inclusion". Lastly, the chapter continues to display how negative behaviors often go hand in hand with that of the Greek system, especially with pledging. The statistics display a higher average of alcohol consumption in the Greek system. This was accounted for on both the male and female. 

    On behalf of the group, we can see all three of the main ideas being relevant on the campus of Hampton University. However, it is believed that on our campus the Greek systems the internal  factors are equally as important, if not more important, to the Greek system. An example of this would be the requirement of a particular G.P.A. or higher. As a result of the continuous statements made by Greeks about the system being a "business", joining the Greek system is upheld to the highest regard, especially in the public sense. They do not want to be viewed as a liability yet as a family unit and a privilege.  

  Although there are ups and downs to pledge, our group sees that from a business and family prospective pledging is a great idea. Therefore the group recommends going along with the pledging task as long as what you are pledging for fits your ideals, because it is your job as a pledge to fit what they believe and not the other way around. Moreover, the "compulsive conformity" may go beyond the realm of which you are comfort. When this occurs it is the choice of the pledge to continue or to stop. Insure that before making this decision that you way both the pros and the cons of the situation. Consequently, the final decision that has been made by the group is that an individual must be able to see more pros than cons when pledge and actually believe in what the Greek system believes in. Allowing for success and a chance to become a part of a large community, that has accomplished great things in high places.

In Search of Civility 

Chapter 7: Diversity 

By Kayla Ingram 

The Civility in Diversity 

In order to understand diversity, one must understand that it does not only encompass the acceptance of race but all of multiculturalism that includes: sex and gender, race, religion, national origin, economic status, disability, and sexual orientation. It is a matter of respecting more so than it isn't a matter of toleration.   

 In a social setting, many prejudices based on stereotypes are taken lightly as remedial satire. However, when it is used in this context people tend to neglect its implications and how it could affect the people that identify with the group being ignorantly discriminated against. To maintain civility in situations where communities of opposing beliefs have to confront each other (such as the LGBTQ community versus conservative Christians, etc.), it is important to coexist by listening to each other's beliefs  without attacking the other's principles and learn to agree to disagree respectfully.  

Diversity for the sake of education has its own benefits which contributes to the maintenance of civility in an academic multicultural setting, as well. Unique perspectives in the learning environment play a significant role in students' academic success and critical thinking skills. However, neglecting to expose students to different cultures and lifestyles encourages them to make blind assumptions of communities they may not understand.  This could also look as if certain communities were ignored intentionally, even if all intentions were sincere. Affirmative action could neutralize as such issues positively albeit its negative reputation amongst envious speculators.  

The Civility Rule 200 that states, "At restaurants, encourage others to order before you," could represent the civility in diversity because this act could diminish any sort of discrimination in the dining setting. No matter the culture, one should allow everyone else to order ahead of himself, avoiding the traditions of all lifestyles.  

Chapter 3: Civility in the Classroom

IN SEARCH OF CIVILITY                                                                                                         1        

                                                                     
                                                                 In Search of Civility
                                                                 Bre'Anna Wyche
                                                                 Hampton University
                                                                 Section H-5

                                                                    Summary

              The Search of Civility made a very important point especially with chapter three. Civility in the classroom talks about what students go through all the time at college. Students go through pressure to cheat, dealing with plagiarism, uncivil professors, and uncivil students. Chapter three opens the eyes of readers to show how to avoid such situations and how to make the right decisions.
               In college students are being pressure to cheat. College is a major adjustment to face. The classes can be challenge especially when students are trying to keep their or in a lot of social activities. Once a short cut is presented it's hard to not think about different scenarios. If the student is busy it could really lighten their load, get a better grade, and help them to maintain scholarship and social life. However, cheating whether big or small is still cheating. Cheating takes away the knowledge a student could use later in life, a short cut that can only take them so far, and pressure to not feel stupid to use it especially if everyone is using it.
              In college students are being caught by plagiarism everyday. The amount of resources for assignments are unlimited. However, its the way the assignment is worded and cited. Students will copy and paste and incorrectly cite the resources. This is all a form of plagiarism. Plagiarism is dangerous to play with because it can cost the student scholarships and even kicked out of the school. However, teachers fail to inform students on how they see plagiarism. This lack of communication can misinterpret what the student thought was plagiarism. This could put the student in a bad situation because the teacher now sees the student as a cheater and has the right to report the student for cheating.
            In college students will find out that its possible to have an uncivil professor. Uncivil professors will believe that they are always right. Uncivil professors may not know to separate their personal life with their job. Some teachers could hold grudges on students which causes them to have bad grades. Students notice when the teacher is being unfair to them. However, students feel as if they are a target they would hate put other people grades in jeopardy. However, if the group doesn't assign roles or communicate with each member then the targeted student that distant themselves could be placed in a difficult situation.
           In college people forget that students can be uncivil. Uncivil students can bully teachers and make the teacher job more stressful than what it already is. This unwanted stress from the students can make the teacher patience go away. The teacher tries not to be nice because she knows how college is. Uncivil students also approach other students in a harsh manner. Everyone has an opinion but the way how its said can make the person uncomfortable and feel attacked. Uncivil students feel as if their opinion is right and doesn't take into consideration how they approached the situation. If ever feeling bullied or threatened report the uncivil students.
         At Hampton University many students come from all over the United States and even different countries. There are adjustments to make when learning how to approach someone. There will be touch teachers to get a long with. Also, cheating will come up in the equation just to get out the class. Plus people will pay for old notes and money is something all college students need.
         The advice that I can give is to make sure that you think before what you say because you can insult, threaten, or come off the wrong way with people with out knowing, make sure go to the teachers office hours one on one time is very helpful and it might be beneficial to where you won't need to cheat. Also, ask is cheating worth leaving the university or your scholarship.
         In conclusion, chapter three contains four main points to help students understand what to do and how to avoid situations. Chapter three tells how to cheating and plagiarism can get scholarships taken away and even kicked out of school and how uncivil professors and students are being unfair on they way they treat other students. Chapter three is an important chapter because every college student will face at least one of these four different scenarios in college.