talking politics with people you disagree with
Start writing a post
Politics

Even Now, America's Political Divide Means Nothing

Even with such a heavy political divide, it's still possible to have a great political discussion today.

215
man waving american flag

What a time to be alive. Without a doubt, the time period we're living in now will end up in textbooks 20 years from now.

And I'll be able to say I lived and experienced all of it.

I think many of us can all agree that the political divide between Democrats and Republicans has never been greater. It seems that each and every topic up for debate has dragged us all farther and farther apart from agreement.

This really makes having a civil conversation with someone from an opposing party to be quite the challenge. Or so, I thought.

Now let me fill you in a little bit on myself. I am a registered Democrat, one of the few in my large family. When I first told my family that I was a registered Democrat, my grandfather (jokingly) called me the next "black sheep" of the family and my father now calls me his "hippie child." (Don't worry, I think they still love me.)

From the time I've registered, I've had countless political conversations with family and friends. Some have ended good, others not so much.

In this day and age, having a political conversation can be a risky task. Touch a soft spot, and you're pretty destined to have a full on verbal brawl. Trust me, it's happened to me a lot.

It's as if we've forgotten what a political conversation is all about. To me, it's about sharing my opinion all while listening to the opposing side with an open heart. Regardless of a difference of opinion, we're all human here.

It's OK to have a different perspective, but it's also important to not disrespect anyone else's perspective.

I've had lots of doubt in our society and our level of respect for others since the day I've registered. Ever since Trump was elected President, I've noticed that the level of respect between the parties is sinking faster and faster as each day passes.

A little while ago, I was placed into a situation that completely restored my faith.

After a night of fun with some of my closest friends, we somehow ended up placed with a group of Military guys that I thought gave the persona of extreme conservatives. At first, I had no interest at all in engaging in political conversation with them, due to the fear of it leading in no positive direction.

But then one of the boys started asking for my opinion on certain issues that were important to me. I gave my opinion while they listened carefully to what I was saying and then they politely told me all about their perspective on the issue. The conversation never got too heated and in the end, each of us did seem to understand what the other was saying.

It just really proves that you can't ever judge a book by it's cover.

While a lot of people still do have trouble respecting others opinions, these guys seriously proved that it's still possible to hold a level of respect during a political discussion.

We could all learn a lot from them.

I sure did.

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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53899
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34706
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957109
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181773
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments