The Urgent Need to Restore Civility in Politics

As we approach another election season, it's important to set a standard that should be non-negotiable: threatening or harassing candidates of any party is not okay. This is not just a matter of personal safety; it's about the very fabric of our democracy.

In a recent episode of The Backbench—one of my favourite political podcasts—the discussion centred on the alarming 800% increase in harassment and violence toward those in government. Yes, you read that right—800%. This is not just a statistic; it’s a red flag for anyone who cares about democracy.

I personally know many good people who would make excellent politicians but are unwilling to accept the level of abuse that has become normalized as "part of the job." We've reached a point where the phrase "you need a tough skin to be in politics" is tossed around as if it's a prerequisite. But let's be clear: you don’t need a tough skin to be in politics. What you need is to be a good listener, to have a passion for your community, and to care about the people in it. Caring deeply is not a fault; it's a strength.

We are rapidly losing sight of the distinction between healthy debate and personal attacks. In the rush of modern life, nuance often gets lost, but it is more important than ever. Political discourse should be about questioning ideas, not attacking individuals. When we cross that line, we not only fail to get answers or explanations—we become aggressors, contributing to a climate of fear and hostility that deters good people from stepping into public service.

This isn’t just a problem for those directly involved in politics; it’s a societal issue. Maybe you’re not the one inciting violence or hate, but chances are you’ve been a bystander to it. It takes courage to stand up and integrity to act in uncomfortable situations. If we want to see a return to civility in politics, it starts with each of us refusing to accept the dehumanization of those who step up to serve.

The dehumanization of politicians is accelerating the erosion of our democratic institutions. If we continue down this path, we will find ourselves in a society where good people are unwilling to run for office, leaving a vacuum that could speed up the collapse of democracy itself. This is not just about politics; it's about preserving a civil society where everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, feels safe and respected.

We must be human—both in how we engage with those who seek to represent us and in how we hold ourselves accountable as members of a civil society. The future of our democracy depends on it.