Although this is the first presidential election that I am able to exercise my right to vote, I’ve always believed that being well-informed on today’s issues is important. Although I am no political science major, I feel as if suddenly the majority of my Facebook friends decided that they were going to become political advocates, specifically Libertarians (to be honest), overnight. Don’t get me wrong, that’s wonderful and this year’s election is certainly interesting to say the least. We as young people must realize that our modernized education will govern the future of this country.
Yet the stigma behind talking politics is certainly becoming more of a reality. Political discussions may lead to fights with your Grandpa at the dinner table, professors during a lecture, and even with your friends. I am not stating all Libertarians, Republicans or any other political party are solely responsible for this. But let’s be honest, I bet after reading that you can name at least one person off the top of your head who may behave this way, even if you just see their resentful Facebook statuses.
I am a 20-year-old Republican, college student: that's like saying I'm a freakin' unicorn or some kind of mythical creature (yes, we exist). Therefore, I am surrounded by a majority of individuals who may disagree with several of my beliefs. Yes, it is rare, yet not implausible. So for those of you between the ages of 18-35 who just love hatin’ on your Republican peers and wonder why some may grow frustrated with you, this one’s for you:
1. Some people just don’t know what to hell they’re talking about
Although I am no future politician, I am fully aware of the issues and stand with my own opinions. But let’s face it, some people just shouldn’t open their mouths. I’m not saying all political advocates need to be adept political science majors, but when people explain their reasoning for voting for Hillary is because ‘she’s a woman’, that’s when you need to not. If you cannot legitimately explain your reasoning behind why you’re voting for a particular candidate and the relevant qualifications that you believe make them an eligible candidate, then please do not attempt.
2. The ‘if you disagree with me, you’re wrong’ mentality
When I try to express my opinions, which is, last time I checked, what you do when you’re talking politics, majority of the time I still get shit on for my views. If you’re going to deliver your argument, sharing your political views while also backing them up with facts is significant in any heated debate. Facts not only demonstrate your intelligence and awareness, but facts also educate others—maybe you just taught me something new that changed my entire perspective on the matters. How grand! If I still disagree with you, that’s OK. And if you disagree with me, that’s OK too. We can move forward from this and still be friends, I promise. More importantly, just because we have diverse opinions does not mean either of us are ‘wrong’. Politics are bounded by the existence of controversy. Yet with that fact alone, let me remind you of the beauty of living in a nation where we can all freely express our difference of opinion. Let’s just make sure we all do it respectfully.
3. Personal discrimination
“You don’t support abortion? Then you must not support women’s rights and are, therefore, sexist.”
“You’re a Republican? You must be an old, stubborn white-guy’… ‘Oh, you’re not an old white-guy? Then you must be heartless and uninformed.”
"You're a Republican? You must love Trump."
“If you’re a Republican, then how can you support gay marriage? Republicans are homophobes.”
Need I say more?
Any form of personal discrimination can be avoided in all political discussions. You can argue against my views, but do not attack my person. Not all Republicans are alike, regardless of what you may see on CNN or read about on BuzzFeed.
Same goes for Democrats or any other affiliated parties—everyone’s opinions on matters are unique regardless if they reside within the same party—which explains why we have political primaries. So take any judgement and/or labels you may have and leave them at home when you want to talk appropriate politics.
