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.
