I was always taught to respect other people's opinions. In fact, it was ingrained in me that it was our right and privilege as American citizens to be able to have our own thoughts and to voice them. Even moreso, I was raised to respect people as human beings, not just their beliefs. Unfortunately, however, I see people abuse this privilege and throw respect out the window as election year rolls around.

An old song called the "Liberty Song," written by John Dickinson, contains one of the most well known phrases in history. It says, "Then join in hand, brave Americans all—By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall!" This has been quoted throughout history by leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin. We remember this pithy phrase whenever our country or our world is in major crisis. We use it to remember that human beings stand a better chance when united than when we are bickering like bitter children. Then politics come into play and everyone seems to forget this powerful phrase. Elections tear families and friends apart. If you aren't one thing, then you must surely be another. The social justice efforts in acceptance and equality are forgotten and the labels and hatred run high.

I hesitate to go on any form of social media during election time for fear of seeing the discrimination and hatred directed towards anyone who thinks differently. Too many times I have seen Democrats call Republicans pro-rape, brainless, and extreme, as well as Republicans call Democrats Godless, immoral, and stupid. The generalizations are endless and are justified under "free speech." Here are a couple of the nicer examples.

Quite honestly, with all this hatred and anger, I feel that my free speech is actually being suppressed. I'm almost afraid to post any of my political opinions online for fear of the backlash and loss of friends that will ensue. I've lost count of the times I've seen my friends post something along the lines of, "If you don't agree with X,Y, or Z, then you can unfriend me now." I'm almost tempted to unfriend them just for being so unwavering and close-minded. According to anyone I disagree with, I have no brain, no morals, am misogynistic (even though I'm a woman myself), and am racist. It's amazing how people can categorize and label you even when they don't know you! Our "rights to free speech" are prioritized above acting like a human being, particularly during the presidential election period.

Of course, this is all a matter of opinion and I'm not right simply because I believe I am. I understand this. However, I'm challenging everyone -- myself included -- to be more accepting and open minded of other people's political beliefs. Besides this, my goal for the rest of the election period is to find a balance between speaking up and treating people as they are: human beings. Because that is the American way.