If you know me, you know I hate politics.

I grew up in an environment that predominantly discussed political matters. As the presidential election grows closer, these topics get brought up more frequently and with more voracity in everyday situations. However, this voracity is often coupled with aggressiveness and dogmatism. This is the core reason why I dread and try to avoid political "discussions."

My relativistic outlook prohibits me from establishing a solid position on many topics. This is further exaggerated by a fear of being ignorant. I like to gain perspective from all sides of the issue before I will make a decision of how I feel about it. However, the complexity of many political topics inhibits me from reaching a solid opinion despite known logistics.

In a way, this indecisiveness allows me to have an "outsiders" perspective of the election and I do not like what I am looking at.

Dogmatism is too prevalent in politics to allow for a positive change. Everyone comes from a different situation, thus making for infinite perspectives on a topic. However, because our beliefs and actions are shaped by our perspectives, we inherently believe our beliefs are the most reasonable. Failure to try to understand the other side of the story makes for a divide in our society. Unless you can explain the other side of the argument you are making, you are too dogmatic and are doing more harm than good.

The political posts that saddens me the most are ones similar to, "If you support ___, unfollow me now." Not only does that devalue the other person, but it is superficial. Why does one opinion on one topic automatically make them the enemy? One opinion does not characterize the whole individual, especially if the topic is so complex. It makes me so sad to see friendships being torn apart for a difference of only one opinion.

Political opinions are increasingly becoming more radicalized and more polarized. This combination is tearing our nation apart and is escalating the issue itself. It kills me that the closer the election gets, the more ignorant people become. This should not become a positive correlation. Too many people become consumed in defending their "side" rather than understanding the situation itself, especially as it develops.

There is a difference between understanding and attacking. You can have your opinion, but don't put people who have an opposing opinion down. No one opinion is right, they are all justified by some means. Don't let your 1st Amendment right inhibit others to have their right.

Dogmatism is not the answer to mend a broken society. Neither is relativism, something I am still working on. Understanding one another is the key to change. If you can't argue the other side as well as your own, do you actually know the issue? I honestly don't care what opinion you have, as long as it is well-researched and does not attack others.

Don't let ignorance drive your dogmatism.