Why are people rude, nasty, and negative? Because, we are told, it works for them. Creating a New Civility makes a strong case that such conduct doesn't work in any lasting way. This timely book discusses how we, as a culture, can move away from negativity and create civility at both the personal and community levels. Using the metaphor of a journey, Joy Marsella proposes a series of practical steps to work toward a greater civility. Although the end of the journey results in the common good, the steps along the way-identity, mindfulness, listening, empathy, and reasoning-are also valuable destinations. Her model gently guides readers to develop their own insights and to integrate them into their daily lives. World travel and fifteen homes in ten communities; a doctorate in American Studies, a professorship in the University of Hawai'i's Department of English, scholarship on Louisa May Alcott, innovative teaching and administrative work, and the good fortune to learn from students of diverse cultures; a personal journey as Ohio farm girl, wife, mother, retiree, and divorcée; an abiding love of books and nature-this lifetime of experiences fold into Joy Marsella's vision of a new civility. Read more about her and find ways to create civility at www.civilitydynamics.com.
