Description
Book SynopsisThe idea for this collection of essays emerged from conversations about how the art of civil discourse has become increasingly less visible in American society today, particularly in political activities. At the same time, it is frustrating to realize that more Americans vote for contestants on shows like American Idol than usually vote in the November elections. The themes throughout New York Abstains Courteously touch on the very heart of what it means to be a responsible citizen, both in our own country and in the global community. While so many individuals speak about values today, it ultimately seems that the true values undergirding the United States are being overshadowed by partisan politics and private ideologies. The book's contributors take a wide variety of approaches to civil discourse and civic responsibility. Each essay in this collection stands on its own and grows out of the author's unique discipline and experience. The essays, however, are the fruit of ongoing collaboration and intersect with each other in many intriguing ways.
Table of ContentsForeword by Kenneth J. Soprano, Ph.D. Introduction Chapter One: The Victims of the European Witchcraze: An Early Political Smear Campaign Marie A. Conn Chapter Two: Vertu: An Enlightenment Ideal Mary Helen Kashuba, SSJ Chapter Three: Civilizing the National Discourse: The Liberal Arts As Conversation in John Henry Newman's Idea of a University Barbara C. Lonnquist Chapter Four: Out of the Gutter: Illness and Disability in the Graphic Narrative Karen J. Getzen Chapter Five: A Teacher Educator's Re-imagining: Finding Places and Making Spaces for Transformative Civility in Schools Carol M. Pate Chapter Six: Towards a Compassionate Conversation: The Art of Spiritual Direction Carolynne Ervin Chapter Seven: Fear and Fundamentalism As Barriers to Civil Discourse Nancy Porter Chapter Eight: Lessons From the Ecumenical Lifeworld: Dialogue and Civility Steven Guerriero About the Contributors
