What is civilized?

What do you think is needed within a society for it to be considered civilized?
Do you think that there are any populations currently that are uncivilized? Is our own society/culture civilized?
Is being civilized important or necessary?

A scenario to consider, there was a cultural exchange between the US and the USSR towards the end of the Cold War the US sent consumer products, some of which were more cutting edge that consumer technology we have currently. All domestic products and examples of houses and apartments, that were "typical" American living. The USSR sent their most cutting edge technology, greatest scientists, musicians, and artists. Both thought the other's displays were stupid. Americans wondered if the Soviets did any thing but work. The Soviets wondered if the Americans did anything but buy crap.