Forni
addresses the importance of civility
By Oscar Montealegre
On-line Forty-Niner
People
who chew with their mouths closed, raise
their hands to ask questions and say “thank
you” and “you’re welcome” do not automatically
qualify as civil individuals. In fact, according
to professor Pier Massimo Forni, co-founder
of the John Hopkins Civility Project, the
latter are basic child-orientated manners.
Forni gave a lecture Thursday on how civility
has been on the decline in the United States
as well as in Europe. Civility is the trait
of a good citizen and a good neighbor in
the social and community aspect.
“If we better the quality of our relationship,
then we better the quality of our lives,”
Forni said.
Forni mentioned during his lecture three
reasons why civility should be taken seriously.
First, in approaching civility people should
be treated with respect and as ends in themselves.
Second, practicing incivility plants the
seeds to physical violence. Forni stressed
that the origins of physical violence are
found in the practice of incivility. Last,
practicing civility will more likely lead
to a better and saner life.
“Civility is a main factor in maintaining
overall health,” Forni said. “In order to
have a long, healthy and sane life we need
to be involved in networks of people.”
Forni also mentioned the three causes of
incivility. The first two reasons are animosity
and stress. The last is the pursuit of individual
identity in a society of equals.
In addition, Forni offers solutions to incivility.
He suggests creating connections in communities,
rebuilding the family, lowering society’s
amount of stress and exposing children to
manner and civility training.
“I think it is important to have Forni speak
to us about civility because it gives us
a different perspective about learning civility,”
said Rachel Brophy, Student Programs Coordinator
of the Office of Academic Projects. “Also,
listening to him I learned that I too could
change the way I communicate with some people,”
The Odyssey Project and the College of Liberal
Arts sponsored the event. The Odyssey Project
is involved in coordinating and sponsoring
art exhibits, film presentations and guest
speakers.
Forni is presently a professor at John Hopkins
University. His educational history is peculiar
compared to other professors. He studied
at the University of Venice, University
of Pavia, the Catholic University of Milan
and eventually obtained his doctorate in
Italian literature from UCLA.
Forni’s lecture was based on his book, “Civility:
The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct.” The
book focuses on his studies towards the
importance of civility, manners and politeness
in contemporary society.
“Forni’s lecture was interesting,” said
Ann Chun, a senior CSULB student. “It made
me realize that I sometimes am rude to people
for no particular reason. But I think the
lecture gave me a different scope on how
to communicate with people,”
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