S2, E9 On Civility

In this episode, we will consider the rising interest in civility discourse and norms. An increasing number of colleges and universities—as well as political culture more generally-are striving to help us disagree in more constructive ways and extend mutual respect as we do. It sounds benign enough, but we look at what civility often conceals: the demand for those who are already harmed to placate and reassure power. In fact, civility can be understood as a form of soft repression, and we consider how this is so.