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Jessica Hobart

Professor Beckelhimer

ENGL2089

1 December 2017

Reflection of Self and Civil Discourse

Over the course of this semester, Ive studied the social issue of the potential closure and

sale of the North branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, as well as the

surrounding civil discourse.

After my time in college, if this issue hasnt been resolved, I see myself engaging with

this topic, but in a limited way. I tend to avoid confrontation, so I dont foresee myself partaking

in protests or angry speeches to the Library Board. I dont like being surrounded by angry

people, even if they mean well and are fighting for their passion. Like I discussed in my Genre

Analysis, I think these ways of communicating opinions can be less effective than others.

However, I will certainly keep myself informed and connected to the events surrounding the

issue, since the Public Library is important to me. I can also envision myself signing petitions or

sending emails or letters to the Board or County Commissioners, if it seems like a decision that I

oppose will be implemented. Unfortunately, once the Board has officially made the decision and

implemented plans, I do not think any discourse would be able to prevent the decision from

being carried out. In short, I will continue to keep myself updated on this issue, but will

participate in limited types of discourse.

Overall, during college I have contributed to some civil discourse and I think I will

continue to do so. For instance, Ive discussed other social and political issues with friends, my

classmates, and family. Since I like to avoid confrontation, I am keen to keep the discourse civil,
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and only converse when appropriate. In another instance, I attended the March for Science and

the Womens March in Cincinnati. Although this type of discourse could be considered

protesting, those specific demonstrations remained peaceful and mostly civil. Those were

enjoyable experiences, because it was comforting to see that others hold similar viewpoints and

can carry out civil discourse. I think I will continue to hold discourse with others about issues

that Im passionate about, as well as attend peaceful demonstrations.

Due to my non-confrontational nature, I dont think civil discourse is very difficult for

me. Usually, I actively listen and debate the issue at hand, instead of the person with whom Im

debating. What is more difficult for me, however, is handling when others that Im talking to fail

to remain civil. Those situations make me uncomfortable and Im left unsure how to respond. To

counteract this, I think I should improve my abilities to lead others to discourse in a civil manner.

In addition to helping myself, this would help others improve their own discourse.

In conclusion, I sparingly partake in discourse over potentially controversial topics, so I

infrequently practice discourse. However, when I do, my discourse remains civil due to my

avoidance of confrontation. Regarding my involvement in the social issue of the potential closure

and sale of the North building, I will stay up to date with important events. I do not see myself

partaking in potentially confrontational forms of discourse about this topic, like angry speeches

and loud protests. I do see myself participating in less controversial forms of discourse, like

writing emails or letters. As a result of working closely with this issue and discourse in general,

Im definitely more acutely aware of the forms and types of discourse, and how these aspects

affect the effectiveness of that discourse.