Politics have been everywhere lately. It’s impossible to avoid them. But even if you could, you shouldn’t. Politics influence how we live, and while they should not take over our whole lives, we should still care about them. Politics become problematic, however, when arguments arise between people who oppose one another.
It is all too common for conversations about politics to get personal. That pushes people who oppose one another farther apart, thus creating a rift in our country. Conservatives and liberals both argue that the middle ground is made smaller by consistently attacking the “other side.” Politics are often personal, and once we make a decision, we want to tell others why we believe what we do. But here’s the thing:
We can be decisive without being divisive.
There is a way to talk about politics that doesn’t end with people screaming facts back and forth until someone gives up. Talking about politics is an important part of living in a time where politics are so divisive. Demonizing one side or the other is what creates the problem; instead of demonizing, we need to realize that there are reasons why people believe what they do and that their reasons may be valid even if we disagree with their conclusions.
Having meaningful conversations comes down to the way we talk about politics. The two types of conversations between disagreeing parties are either discussions or arguments. If we become so firm in our beliefs that we are not willing to consider the opposition, we aren’t discussing anymore – we are simply arguing. We become blinded by our predispositions.
There is also a way to respectfully disagree with people even if you steadfastly believe they are wrong. We must evaluate why someone might believe what they do, consider it and re-evaluate our own opinion. Even if our views don’t change, having a better understanding of those who oppose our beliefs is the first step to creating a less divisive political atmosphere.
Having a resolute standpoint is important when we talk about politics as well. It allows us to know where we stand at the end of the day. Being decisive means we know why we believe what we do. It means that we can argue clearly and know exactly what we are against and what we are for. Being decisive allows for meaningful discussions between both sides: but only if we maintain a charitable view of the person we disagree with.
Being decisive without acknowledging the importance of unity in American politics is when the angry arguments and blind disavowing of others’ beliefs becomes all too common. Being too stubborn to see that both sides get some things right creates division.
Then we need to make our decisions. Don’t pick democrat or republican and blindly accept everything people say the party stands for. Find each issue and make up your mind on what you believe. But don’t let that devolve your discussions into arguments. To respect someone’s views is to strive for unity.
Our strength as a nation lies in unity. Those who oppose one another’s beliefs yet respect each other make us all stronger. If we love one another despite political leanings, we will find that, while we may be resolute in our views, we can draw people closer together for the betterment of our country.
