The First Amendment guarantees that Americans have the freedom of expression. It protects our rights to freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly and petition.
The time is now to embrace the rights and freedoms outlined in the First Amendment and make our nation better – and build a more perfect union. And a more perfect union calls for civil discourse. Yes, civility in conversation, especially in the face of disagreement.
While the First Amendment also defends the free speech rights of groups that stream views that are antithetical to the freedoms the amendment stands for, freedom of speech does not prevent the government from punishing conduct that intimidates, harasses or threatens another person.
The First Amendment allows us to engage in conversations that can, hopefully, enhance understanding and cultivate compromise.
Protests call attention to issues of importance for members of our community, to demand action and reform.
Rallies are meant to galvanize support for issues, causes and people.
A convoy, by definition, is a group of vehicles traveling together for protection.
A debate is a formal discussion in which opposing arguments and viewpoints are expressed.
Each of these tactics can make us better, a more perfect union.
However, if protests turn violent and voices are silenced, our union is threatened.
When rallies stir people to hate others and denounce the value of the lives of our community members, our union is threatened.
When members of a convoy shout white supremacist views and promote hatred, our union is threatened.
When debates lack decorum from the highest level of government, our union is threatened.
We must demand civil discourse. We must begin to listen to each other, to empathize with each other, to eradicate hatred, venom and violence.
Disagreements should center on issues and perspectives. They shouldn’t attempt to hurt or harm the messenger.
And if hatred is spewed at us, we must neither return hatred nor cower in fear. We must keep moving forward in love, in pride that we’re striving for the right. We must return hate with warmth and careful forgiveness while holding those attempting to hurt us accountable for their actions. Keep striving for good – the good of our nation – and do not let anyone turn us around. And we must hold people in power accountable by exercising our right to vote.
We need to vote. Do not discourage each other by spreading unfounded claims of voter fraud. We must encourage people to follow the laws of our states related to voting and the election. In North Carolina that means not voting twice in a particular election, but voting wisely, informed through listening to all candidates. Have a plan, execute it by voting and trust the process.
And as we advocate for voting, we must advocate for our positions and points of view while treating each other with respect, kindness, love and decorum.
Rochelle Ford is dean of the School of Communications at Elon University in Elon, N.C.
This article originally appeared on Times-News: Ford: Civil discourse needed now more than ever
