I'm sure everyone has had their own personal experiences with differing politically opinionated people. I'm sure you have developed an opinion on all of those that you encounter. Here's my experience with both Donald Trump advocates and Bernie Sanders advocates.
I will say that before I even read into Trump's campaign, the mere thought of him made me want to spiral into a depression and vomit uncontrollably. I had no intention of supporting him in any way, shape, or form. In a sort of guilty-by-association technique, I grouped all of his supporters into a disgusting, vile-spirited club. I assumed that they were the lowest of humans and had no real hearts.
However, upon meeting some Trump supporters and not even realizing they were pro-Trump, I began to realize that not all of the people who support him are evil. The people I met were actually kind, caring individuals who were extremely educated and very articulate. They were people I could find myself associating with and becoming friends with. They let you share your political opinions before showing you their side. Upon meeting more, I had the inspiration to look into his campaign. And now, I understand why they support him. It's because of those people that I even thought about the idea of Trump's potential impact on the country.
I went into Bernie Sanders' situation the complete opposite. I looked at his supporters, without forming an opinion on him, as positive, influential, and kind people. And it actually shocked me what I got in return.
Some of the people I met were exactly what I assumed they would be - smart, kind, friendly - but some were disgustingly not so. I met people that attacked my character and my personality. I met people who were diseased by greed and envy. I met people that were so anti-anything-but-Bernie that it was scary to even speak to them. The second you spoke of a political opinion that was anything but what Sanders advocated, they erupted in a how-dare-you-Bernie-is-almighty-and-we-must-bow-down-to-him fashion. Most importantly, I met people who verbally attacked my mother. I mean, mom's are off limits in pretty much any topic. It's in the bro-code.
Let me just say, acting unruly, throwing low blows, and degrading someone and their character will never bring them to understand your side of the political spectrum. I'm not going to tell you that your grammar makes me want to throw up, your style is comparable to a three year old's garbage pickings, and you move slower than a turtle and expect you to even listen to, let alone understand, my point of view.
I'm not saying I support Trump. I'm not saying I support Sanders. I'm saying that if you want someone to hear what you, or your favorite politicians, have to say, be kind.
If you take anything from this article, let it be that whichever type of person you come across with this upcoming election, be respectful. Be thankful that the person, at the very least, has an opinion on the topics at hand.
