nastiness – n. unpleasant and unkind
civil discourse – n. the act of politely using words to exchange thoughts and ideas
civics – n. the study of the rights and duties of citizens and of how government works
open mind – n. willing to consider different ideas or opinions
polarized – adj. separated into opposing groups
instinct – n. a way of behaving, thinking or feeling that is not learned; a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way
tone – n. a quality, feeling or attitude expressed by the words that someone uses in speaking or writing
idealistic – adj. the attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty
formulate – v. to create, invent or produce (something) by careful thought and effort