Some Things To Keep In Mind When You Talk Politics | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Some Things To Keep In Mind When You Talk Politics

A Millennial's view on how to maintain respect.

6
Some Things To Keep In Mind When You Talk Politics
conservativereview.com

It seems like lately, we can’t jump on Facebook without seeing rather controversial articles about accusations of Trump’s misogyny or Hillary’s private email server. It also seems like we can’t go a day through work, school or drinks with friends without discussing the happenings of the political world. Before I continue, I’d like to mention that I love to talk politics and am happy to engage in the conversation whenever presented to me. I know friends who feel differently and dread the polarizing discussions that usually end up in someone screaming, eye rolling, name calling, etc. After working in Washington, D.C. for two summers in the political arena, I have seen and participated in countless conversations that are actually productive—they involve people listening to each other’s thoughts, weighing pros and cons of different policy alternatives, then eventually peacefully moving on to discuss other topics. I would like to propose some (hopefully) thought-provoking ideas and suggestions for how to tackle talking politics with family and friends…without getting into a fight.

*Disclaimer: I will not provide advice for how to discuss politics or other controversial events over Facebook; I have never seen that turn out well, and the comments section can get rather vicious very quickly.

Too Drunk to Walk, Too Drunk to Talk

This one is rather self-explanatory, although we have all fallen victim to this mistake (myself included). If you’ve had a few too many to drink, perhaps leave politics out of the discussion. Drinking often elevates the volume of the conversation and your opinions can get misconstrued. As we move towards one of the most monumental elections in history, with policy issues impacting our generation for years to come, the conversation should be intellectually stimulating— not more intoxicating.

Don’t Label Others

There is nothing wrong with being a Democrat or a Republican, but sometimes it’s nice to speak your thoughts freely, and not be labeled a member of either party. The war that seems to be waging between the parties at this point in time is intense, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have opinions from both sides of the isle. For example, if someone says “well I am pro-gun and pro-choice,” there is no need to retort back saying that those are conflicting views. They are not conflicting; they are simply the views of that individual.

An Epiphany is Unlikely

This is always the hardest one for me to grapple with. You go on to explain your entire view of why one candidate is clearly the better choice, and the others in the conversation still do not agree. Heading into a political conversation, one must remind them self that it is extremely unlikely that they will change the mind of others. Political ideology is deep seeded and is developed over many years of experiences, moral beliefs, and values instilled in them by family and friends.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
ross geller
YouTube

As college students, we are all familiar with the horror show that is course registration week. Whether you are an incoming freshman or selecting classes for your last semester, I am certain that you can relate to how traumatic this can be.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

Bonus points if it is more than two.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

12 Things I Learned my Freshmen Year of College

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

3961
friends

Whether you're commuting or dorming, your first year of college is a huge adjustment. The transition from living with parents to being on my own was an experience I couldn't have even imagined- both a good and a bad thing. Here's a personal archive of a few of the things I learned after going away for the first time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Economic Benefits of Higher Wages

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

302788
Illistrated image of people crowded with banners to support a cause
StableDiffusion

Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage would not only benefit workers and their families, it would also have positive impacts on the economy and society. Studies have shown that by increasing the minimum wage, poverty and inequality can be reduced by enabling workers to meet their basic needs and reducing income disparities.

I come from a low-income family. A family, like many others in the United States, which has lived paycheck to paycheck. My family and other families in my community have been trying to make ends meet by living on the minimum wage. We are proof that it doesn't work.

Keep Reading...Show less
blank paper
Allena Tapia

As an English Major in college, I have a lot of writing and especially creative writing pieces that I work on throughout the semester and sometimes, I'll find it hard to get the motivation to type a few pages and the thought process that goes behind it. These are eleven thoughts that I have as a writer while writing my stories.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate

Every college student knows and understands the struggle of forcing themselves to continue to care about school. Between the piles of homework, the hours of studying and the painfully long lectures, the desire to dropout is something that is constantly weighing on each and every one of us, but the glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel helps to keep us motivated. While we are somehow managing to stay enrolled and (semi) alert, that does not mean that our inner-demons aren't telling us otherwise, and who is better to explain inner-demons than the beloved April Ludgate herself? Because of her dark-spirit and lack of filter, April has successfully been able to describe the emotional roller-coaster that is college on at least 13 different occasions and here they are.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments