Civic discourse in the United States seems to have today broken down in everyday life. There are numerous reasons for this occurrence including big tech censorship, partisan divides, and a lack of trust between the two dominant parties. However, it was not like this and these occurrences have only happened within the past few decades, particularly starting in the early 2000’s.
Civil discussion in the United States started with the nation founding in 1776, and to a large degree was designed in a way to make sure most people do not agree with each other, and to make sure that unless there is a unanimous consensus thigs in America do not change too radically. In fact, Madison in Federalist 21 argues that factions and different opinions are good for democracy and freedom. He says, “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires instantly expires”.
Unfortunately, today in America it has become increasingly difficult to have opinions that are not held by the majority. For example, over this past summer YouTube, demonetized, censored, and banned users who ideologically disagreed with prevalent opinions that are more prominent and acceptable in American culture.
Fig. 1 by LogosWorld
Actions like those taken by YouTube were widely criticized but, demonstrated the effect Big tech companies and media platforms have on the ability for Americans to have civil discourse. The capability for companies such as YouTube to simply ban those who disagree with them ideologically with the click of a button is appalling. After all, if you take away the voice of those who disagree with you then technically there exist no opposition. When YouTube’s bans, and demonetizations, were finished many believed they had no voice and even more felt as though their voices did not matter. 
Fig. 2 Vox . com
Therefore, it is important to keep as many channels of communication as open as possible because once American civil discourse breaks down, and one side feels as though they are not heard then if they ever get power, they too will seek to repress the opposing side and only value opinions from those who think like them. This cycle repeats itself until there is a complete breakdown of American politics, and institutions that have lasted for hundreds of years vanish.
Overall, this occurrence demonstrates how important the ability to have civil discourse is in the United States. However, with the constant encroachment on the ability to speak by media platforms, civil discourse is coming more and more under threat. Thusly, It is more important now than it perhaps has ever been to encourage civil discourse and advocate for fewer restrictions not more.