Civility in Society

When given a task to write an essay on civility and manners in society, the only topics that come to mind are negative examples. I could sit here and write a paper on how I helped that old woman with one leg cross the street, or the article in the newspaper about some hero who saved all the children from the burning orphanage. These are good heartfelt stories that anyone would love to hear, but unfortunately this is not reality. To write something like this would be looking at the world through rose-colored glasses, and I can't force myself to write a fluff piece. Instead I will focus on an incident that happened to me, that could have changed my view on people but did not.

I work in the town of Paterson, which isn't exactly known for its civility. I have worked here for two years and have never felt unsafe here, even though it seems as if this town is only getting worse. Everyday there is a story of someone getting beat up and robbed in the streets but I never thought it would happen to me. I met up with a friend after work at a local restaurant/bar and had dinner and a few beers. I've been to this establishment many times in the past and have never felt unsafe leaving here. While walking out later that night to our car, we were violently attacked from behind and robbed. I was actually knocked out cold when the police came and did not remember where I was. Luckily no weapons were used and the only injuries I suffered were a broken nose, bruised ribs and my head was swollen to the size of a watermelon. This was an extremely scary and violent encounter, which I really did not think another human being was capable of. Turns out I was obviously wrong.