When you sign into Facebook, it's the first thing you see. When you flip through the channels on TV, you surpass it numerous times.
With chatter about this especially controversial political race in full force, whether or not you're actively involved in politics or not, it's nearly impossible to avoid at least some sort of involvement and discussion about it. It's everywhere — Trump is crazy, Bernie is delusional, Cruz is the zodiac killer, Hillary is a liar, yadda yadda yadda. We've heard it all before, people, and there are far more effective ways to express your opinions on political issues (or presidential candidates for that matter.) Republican, Democrat, or anything in between, too many people are guilty of letting anger and defensiveness take away from their arguments.
No matter what controversial topic is being discussed, there is always roadblocks present when trying to portray how you feel to those you are trying to reach out to. Being emotionally driven is inevitable if you are speaking from a place of deep-rooted passion. Use it selectively and it can be a tool, but don't let these emotions take away from effectively explaining your thoughts on what is truly important. Here is a few things to avoid in order to remain credible and honorable in your pursuits.
1. Stop taking on other people's views and calling them your own.
Just because your parents are extremely gung-ho about a political party, issue or individual doesn't mean you have to agree. If you see a meme shared on Facebook that is made by a no-name who holds no standing on these issues that doesn't mean it is something to be followed. If you're from a town with a generalized concept on what is the "right" view and you end up moving to a location that has new ones that you are exposed to and agree with, those initial ideals do not need to be bred into you. You can change your mind at any moment that you see fit. There is constant adapting that needs to be done as society (and you!) changes. Avoid relying so heavily on biases and word of mouth. What works for some doesn't work for everyone. Do your own research before you speak. Watch the debates yourself. There are two sides to every story, and the only way you will be able to accurately interpret them is if you watch them for yourself. You are an individual. You will have your own career, own relationships, own influences and own factors that will give you a personalized view on all aspects of politics. Don't let narrow-mindedness or outside influences squander your ability to think critically and for yourself.
2. Stop letting the defense of your political party overpower the issues themselves.
The categorization of people is what keeps us divided and keeps us angry. Newsflash! Not every Democrat has to be a loony tree hugger. Not every republican has to be a money hungry extremist. The sooner you accept this the sooner you can become more accepting and appreciative of the ideas people from both sides have, rather than shutting them out due to your mental allegiance to your "side." There are so many areas that you could overlap in opinions with someone if you keep your ears open long enough to hear them past the point of "stupid liberals" or "damn conservatives." Letting your pride get in the way takes away from the point of your argument. If you are arguing just to argue because you identify with one political party, you're arguing for the wrong reasons. It is so important to view things on a case-by-case basis instead of as generalizations. Take a step back and evaluate the particular issue for what it is and what it means to you.
3. Stop being disrespectful and hateful.
Perhaps the most important of all. Please recognize that the moment name-calling and low-blow bashing comes into the picture is when walls go up and ears close. You immediately lose credibility, validity and respect as soon as you lower yourself to this level. It comes off as defensive, uneducated and uninformed the minute your facts and statistics change to mindless obscenities. As an adult, if you believe you are wise enough to talk about the future of the country (and, more so, the world), you should be wise enough to use a more practical and admirable language to represent these beliefs. There is a plethora of ways to express yourself without offending or hurting others. Differences in opinion do not mean you have to lose friends or create enemies. Quite frankly, it's just not worth it. Censor yourself. Remember the golden rule that we have all been reciting since grade school. It doesn't need to be an attack. Don't be that person.
Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and views. I believe that all aspects of healthy debate is beneficial for all involved—the swapping of information, understanding of other people's perspectives and strengthening of communication skills is necessary for growth. Regardless of the issues you care about, it needs to be understood that your thoughts are not universal — and that's just fine. No matter what political party you identify with, there needs to be no definitive dividing label on being respectful and kind. We're all in this together.
