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Politics and Activism

11 Things Americans Need To Talk About, Other Than US Politics

Do we need to hear about it everywhere? Really?

Madison Zegarlowicz

May 10, 2019

University of Michigan

2584

Unsplash

You're driving to work and it's on the radio.

You're at the gym and it's on the TV.

You're at family dinner, at that one uncle has to mention it. Every. time.

What else could I be referring to, other than politics, the taboo topic that is best avoided?

Listen, while I support your right to choosing a side and voicing your opinion as much as the next girl, there is a time and a place. Some of you need to learn that. While you take time to reflect, here are 11 things we can focus on other than politics, from serious to sassy.

Self-care

When is the last time you asked that friend that constantly talks about the 2020 election how they're really doing? Talk about a new workout regimen or diet plan that you started. No one can find fault in talking about a little R & R. Let's focus on that and share tips instead.

Animal shelters

Do you realize how many cats and dogs are waiting in your local shelter waiting to be adopted? Why don't we focus on finding fur babies a home instead of politics? Who could be mad while you're discussing a puppy?

Veganism

Debate animal rights instead of debating 2020 candidates or the current state of our country. Find your stance and stick with it, fight for it, and learn about it. Be a better you.

You

Self-care. Focus on yourself and your mental and physical health. You'll feel better, and we can stop collectively focusing on politics.

Traveling

Think about where you want to be in twenty years. Do you want to go to Italy? France? The Bahamas? Tell your friends and family all about where you want to be and what it takes to get there. Share your thoughts with others — they may have ideas for you.

Your Starbucks favorites

Honestly. Do you see what I'm getting at here? Discuss anything, anything at all, other than politics. That includes the famous PSL. (That's a pumpkin spice latte for all of my non-Starbucks drinkers.) Try that next time it's in season instead of talking about 2020, huh?

Life goals

According to the Baby Boomers, Gen-Z and millennials just LOVE talking about themselves. We are the "me" generation, I guess. Embrace it and tell your Baby Boomer relatives all about the awesome things you hope to accomplish in life next time they want to debate politics over dinner at grandma's house. tell them you're going to be president someday and turn the current state of politics on its head.

Tinder matches

Literally. focus on anything. Just stop focusing so hard on politics.

Flint's lack of clean water

Honestly. It has been years and Flint, Michigan still does not have clean water. If you want to be an activist and fight for something, work on that. You'll feel like you're making a difference and it is not as taboo or daunting.

Getting over your ex

Hey Rachel the self-proclaimed college republican, get over Chad and do some self-reflection before you dive head first into the 2020 campaign trail.

Understanding why we are so politics-obsessed

Have you ever sat back and wondered why you're so immersed in this? Why you allow this topic to take over your day, put a damper on family time, ruin your mood, etcetera? Stop it. Think about it a little and you'll see that you have probably taken it too far at one time, no matter what side you're on

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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Recommended for you

11 Things Americans Need To Talk About, Other Than US Politics

Do we need to hear about it everywhere? Really?

Self-care

Animal shelters

Veganism

You

Traveling

Your Starbucks favorites

Life goals

Tinder matches

Flint's lack of clean water

Getting over your ex

Understanding why we are so politics-obsessed

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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