We are living in an American society where tons of emphasis is placed on being politically correct. People are constantly at each others throats over the various political issues that arise every day in America. We not only question each others political beliefs, but also religious beliefs. While many Americans understand how to respect other people's religious beliefs, there is still constant uproar concerning religious issues.

For example, there has been a lot of recent uproar over a recent video by an Evangelist social media personality named Josh Feuerstein where he slams Starbucks for removing Christmas and winter symbols from their coffee cups. He also demonstrates how he put Christmas back on the Starbucks cup by ordering a coffee under the name "Merry Christmas." I can't question the political and religious views he offers in the video since I do not believe in fighting about such matters. I will, however, go out on a limb and say that I wish he did not use this video to stir up more political and religious conflict in a nation already filled with such great disagreement on these matters

The thing with America is that it is arguably the largest melting pot of different cultures in the world. As a nation, we thrive based on a collection of individualistic beliefs and values as well as a set list of American principles that come from the Constitution.

I think it is beautiful that we can have a democratic nation that gives individuals the great freedom of choosing their own political and religious beliefs. It gives us all the opportunity to healthily express our views through discussion and reach an agreement, or have a healthy disagreement.

So why do we have to be at each others throats about politics and religion? Why can't we simply accept that we can't change another person's political and religious beliefs?

Dale Carnegie, an expert in interpersonal skills, writes in his novel How to Win Friends and Influence People that you can never win an argument. He states that no matter what, each side will continue to stick to his/her position out of sheer pride and an unwillingness to admit they are wrong. And even if someone does win the argument, the loser's ego will take a huge hit as a result.

This is especially true when you argue about politics and religion. Has there ever been a time during a presidential debate where one candidate admits their policies are wrong? I don't believe so, and if there was I would love to see it! Because these are ideologies that they have developed their entire lives and presented in the form of a campaign. Do you really think either candidate would ever change their views in a spur-of-the-moment during a debate? No, they wouldn't.

The same goes with any other person and their political and religious beliefs. You will never get anywhere in an argument about these topics. In fact, you are more likely to offend the other person than actually change their perspective.

And so, the best thing to do is to let a person discover themselves if they are right or wrong regarding their religious and political beliefs. As tempted as we may be to just shove our beliefs and ideologies down another person's throat to sway their opinion in the direction of our own, we must understand it probably won't work.

While it is virtually impossible to avoid all conflict for the rest of our lives, I would love to see all Americans stop all political and religious conflict. This will undoubtedly be a tough ask for this nation as a whole. Whether we do it or not, I would still form a great amount of respect for anyone who chooses not to argue about these ideologies. I would also still respect anyone who disagrees with me on this topic too! Because you are entitled to your own opinion and it's not my job to get inside your head and change all of your preconceived notions and beliefs to be the same as my own.

A person's political and religious views are not to be condemned, challenged, or destroyed by others. Let's try and remember this.