Civility and thoughtfulness and manners–it was George Washington’s forte and ‘competitive advantage,’ and it’s worked for me in far, far, far more humble settings.

–Tom Peters

Costco publishes a monthly magazine called the “Costco Connection,” and in each issue the editors pose a debate question and asks readers to respond. A recent issue of this magazine asked the question “Is civility dead?” Interestingly, 71% of the respondents answered YES. It appears that the vast majority of people (who read the Costco Connection) believe that civility is indeed dead.

Obviously, this is not a scientific poll and needs to be taken with a grain of salt. But, I think it does say something about our U.S. society. Of course there are many caring, and giving, people all across the nation, but I think what is being considered here is the everyday experience of interacting with our rapidly changing narcissistic culture.

What do you think—is civility dead, or dying, in the U.S.?