In today's age just the word "Politics" is dreaded amongst most people. Anything pertaining to politics has people rolling their eyes and wanting to avoid anything that pertains to it. A few weeks ago when I was back at home and grocery shopping with my mom, she ran into someone she knew (which is no surprise). She asked the usual questions of where I am going to school and what I'm majoring in. So I told her where and my plans, but when I mentioned that I was thinking of maybe minoring in Political Communication, which I then happened to get the "oh" look.
The "oh" look meaning I grew another head as if I'm crazy (maybe am), but then she preceded to say "Oh, well let's not talk about politics." All I could think of was WHAT?!?!?
So instead of talking to her about politics, I just nodded my head, gave her a smile and respected her decision. But some of the problems is that one little statement she made. Yes, the political culture in the United States is split, but not talking about what's going on around politics makes things worse. Speak up for what you believe in while being respectful of others. And don't shove your opinion down other peoples throat.
January 21st, 2017, the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, was the Women's March. Individuals from all different backgrounds took part in the march ranging from Washington DC, Seattle, Washington, almost every big city in the US and people outside of the US came together, protested and raised their voices for in which they believe that everyone deserves to live in a world that is safe, acknowledges the human rights of each and every individual. Talking politics is not useless. Millions of people have taken a negative experience of history and turned it into something more. Refusing to stay silent over issues that are affecting other individuals does not help change. Make your voice heard, do not stay silent.
But what is not respectable is the Neo-Nazi culture the world recently saw in Charlottesville, Virginia. That is not peaceful protesting, those type of actions only spread hate. And what are you protesting for? To be the superior race while spreading hate? Or because Confederate statues are being taken down because government officials are noticing them as a type of hate symbol? No, just no.
I don't give a shit who you voted for at this point, but bigotry, misogyny, neo-nazism, white supremacy does not belong. And not standing up to those types of acts and people are only going to matters worse. Especially when the so-called president can't even condemn the hateful acts of protests which basically gives them the okay to continue spreading their hateful behavior. Speak up against the haters. Be loud and proud to show your support for the rights every citizen deserves. Show them that their hate does not belong and will not be tolerated.
Talking about politics can feel useless, but not talking about political issues when given the chance is useless. Let your opinion be known. Tell people where you stand on certain issues. No one likes seeing the hate spread across the news but to stay in a peaceful bubble is ignorant.
Instead when a political topic is brought up, tell people with facts, personal experiences or how certain issues makes the world a better (or worse) place. All it takes is denouncing hate when you see it. Our entire nation is revolved around politics. Ignorance is not bliss in this day of age. And if they don't agree with you, agree to disagree and go about your way.
A democracy is always going to have conflicts. Not everyone is going to agree with you, what the press covers or even what I say throughout this article. But at the end of the day, make your voice heard, rebuttal other people's claims, argue with them, but most of all listen. Listen to what others are saying, why they are saying it. And if you happen to disagree with them, tell them but be respectful of their choices, words, etc. Especially if you happen to find yourself fighting over social media, it's easy to bully others because of their views and opinions on technology but they are people with feelings, opinions, etc. just like you.
Everyone has a different way of going about politics but only praying for change does not help the change happen. People are the change. Activists are the change. We are the change. For all the hate going around, spread love. Speak up for the oppressed, take part in rallies, and utilize your social media. Stand up for people who feel as if their voice no longer matters. Stand up when you see hate being spewed, go to that protest happening in New York City, Chicago or wherever if you want to show support. If you want to help the political culture, become an activist.