During one of the most controversial presidential elections in recent history, American citizens have witnessed some extremely unprofessional debates. Candidates have openly taken to slander, bullying, and incoherent shouting, all in the view of the American public.
The presidential campaign trail is unfortunate as it is. However, even more discouraging is the fact that many citizens have also taken to this kind of offensive speech.
So, here's just a quick word of advice: there's no need to yell.
Like any election, each individual will have their own opinion about the candidates. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, the ability and freedom to have different opinions and voice them is what makes the United States so incredible.
But there's a difference between having an opinion and voicing it, and being disrespectful and offensive.
Somewhere along the line, we've lost our ability to hold differing opinions, while still being able to express our ideas and thoughts coherently and constructively. We've strayed from listening to other's voices and from remaining open to the fact that there are other opinions out there besides ours.
This has become evident in the presidential campaign. How many times have we witnessed candidates screaming slander at each other like toddlers? How many derogatory social media posts have we seen our friends, family, and colleagues post about candidates with differing opinions? How often do people get into shouting matches over these differences?
America, it seems, has lost a sense of maturity. I assure you: you are able to hold an opinion that is not similar to mine, and we don't have to fight about it. We don't need to yell. We don't need to swear. We can talk like civilized individuals.
We all know that there are certain things you shouldn't talk about in public, or at a dinner party. Two of those topics are religion and politics. We're afraid to start an argument. But perhaps they are, in fact, the things we should be talking about. People should be able to talk about the tough stuff, like religion and politics, and not fight about it. Because it's these core and personal issues that allow us to truly understand an individual, and comprehend how and why they think that way.
Everyone has certain life experiences that shape their very thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Perhaps by listening instead of yelling, we can learn. Instead of being so quick to cut each other down, maybe we can open our minds to the people around us and understand what makes them think the way they do.
We've seemed to have lost the art of holding a civilized conversation. It's time we regain that.
So the next time you think about arguing with your friend, family member, or even a stranger about the presidential election (or any other topic, for that matter), remember that you can voice your opinion maturely. Remember to respect that other person's thoughts. Remember to learn about their world, their values, and their experiences through their opinion. Perhaps you just might begin to understand things in a way you didn't before.
But then again, what's so great about my opinion, anyway?
