White house Quote by Barack Obama
““The problem is that this kind of vilification and over-the-top rhetoric closes the door to the possibility of compromise. It undermines democratic deliberation. It prevents learning –- since, after all, why should we listen to a “fascist,” or a “socialist,” or a “right-wing nut,” or a left-wing nut”? It makes it nearly impossible for people who have legitimate but bridgeable differences to sit down at the same table and hash things out. It robs us of a rational and serious debate, the one we need to have about the very real and very big challenges facing this nation. It coarsens our culture, and at its worst, it can send signals to the most extreme elements of our society that perhaps violence is a justifiable response. So what do we do? As I found out after a year in the White House, changing this type of politics is not easy. And part of what civility requires is that we recall the simple lesson most of us learned from our parents: Treat others as you would like to be treated, with courtesy and respect. (Applause.) But civility in this age also requires something more than just asking if we can’t just all get along.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Civility, White House, 2015
Extreme rhetoric blocks compromise, harms democratic dialogue, and can incite violence; civility demands respect and willingness to engage despite differences.
In simple terms: Harsh language stops compromise and dialogue.
Practice respectful discourse even with opponents.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debates
- community meetings
- online discussions
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we encourage respectful dialogue in polarized environments?
- What role does empathy play in reducing political hostility?
Extremist rhetoric may persist despite calls for civility.