As the election cycle continues to heat, we continue to discuss politics with those around us. A lot of are going back to school and with that comes many in-class debates. Whatever your situation may be, there are two words that I always try to remember when discussing or debating topics: political asymmetry. I first heard these words uttered when watching a TED Talk by Aspen Baker. She describes political asymmetry as the belief that your political views are good and kind-hearted and the opposite political view is evil and cruel.
We are all guilty of this. The experiences we have in life lead us to believe that our views are the kind, loving way to think, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Just remember that the other side may have a very different but still valid experience that lead them to believe what they do. You don't know what other people have been through and treating them like they are evil for believing what they do is not productive in the slightest. We also tend to surround ourselves with other that feel the same way on most topics and so when we encounter people who think drastically different we can wrongly assume that they are coming from a place of cruelty or anger. We don't take the time to consider that their side of the argument is may be coming from a place of love and what they think is best for everyone.
Something that I have learned over the years is to stop and listen. If someone says something that you strongly disagree with stop and ask them why they believe it and really listen; don't interrupt them to try to prove a certain point or pretend to listen while you form a counterargument in your head. When you are finished listening to what they have to say, consider what you say back to them. What you say could have a lasting impression on that person about who you are. Don't use offensive language or disregard something they have said.
None of this is to say that you should stop debating or voicing your opposition to certain viewpoints. Political disagreements are healthy. They help you to take another look at your views and either strengthen them or reconsider what you are thought. It may be embarrassing to admit that you might have been wrong about a political view, but don't let that stop you! If you have changed your opinion on something that means that you are growing as a person and there is nothing wrong with that!
