Talking about politics is a lot like talking about sex. Some people don’t want to bring it up into conversation, others won’t stop talking about it. Sometimes it’s shunned from being a topic over the dinner table, other times a family member suddenly mentions it while watching television. The media loves it and also hates it. Do you see the similarities? Good, now talk dirty politics to me.
That’s right, talk dirty politics to me. Fill up with lust for your favorite politician, how he or she is all you dream about for the future. Carve the name on a tree, seal it with a heart, and vow your eternal love. Spit on the names of competing politicians and scowl at the threats they lay upon your beloved. Whenever you mention their name, whether it was invited to the conversation or not, smile like you know little secrets about them. Joke to me about how you would never tell your mother some of the details you’re about to spill.
How people interact with the topic of politics is a new world I was introduced to once I started college. Suddenly the small talk on the couch between commercials was concerning the presidential election. This was good! I encouraged my friends to engage in discussion, even though I had little knowledge to share. But some stayed silent, nodding along to arguments they agreed to and avoiding eye contact to those they didn’t. Some even refused to commit to the group, withdrawing as if the room was filled with landmines. And sometimes it was. People may have knee-jerk reactions to opinions, and toes can be crushed, but this shouldn't keep a community from continuing to share their voices. There are valuable words on every side of the table when it comes to political topics. When you state your political opinions, you are revealing a side to you that is open for judgment. There may be awkward silences, or strange glances of disapproval, depending on where you are. Or a moment of celebration and enthusiasm for continued debate.
Either way, talk dirty and get dirty. Lay out all the juicy details, push the limits of conversation, and engage in discussing the unspeakable! Opinions matter!
