Another possible answer: The rising uncivil tenor of political debate has put Americans in a lousy mood.

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Gary Tobin, author of The Uncivil University says it happens all the time.

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But have they considered how uncivil our society might become if the Sulemans of the world and their spawn multiply?

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Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney had been invited to a similar forum last fall, but Warren canceled it, saying the campaign had become too uncivil.

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People were quick "to jump to conclusions about 'spoilt', 'rowdy', 'rude' and 'intimidating' young people", they noted, while local youth complained about being "on the receiving end of uncivil behaviours".

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Given that bullying is most often a painful and distressing experience, it is not surprising that people want to avoid situations in which they must endure uncivil, harassing or aggressive behaviors from others in their workplace.

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Yes, civil discourse can be uncivil.

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