This is my first article for Odyssey and probably the most crucial one that I will write for one reason: I will be writing about politics and the future of politics. Political arguments can get very intense, especially when you argue with someone who does not have the same political views as you. A CNN article named "This Is Why You Get Worked Up About Politics, According to Science" argues that the brain responds by being in a protective mode when your own individual views are being challenged. The article also showed that people are more likely to adjust to nonpolitical views over political views. Therefore, making the claim that politics is very psychological since politics affects people on a personal level. This is the issue when trying to discuss politics- people are not trying to hear the opposing side.
My intent is that through the Odyssey, politics may be expressed with more civility between each side of the political spectrum. I will be using research and other means to make political arguments that many of you reading this article may or may not agree with. My opinions are not meant to anger anyone, but rather show people what the other side thinks or enhance your own individual political thoughts. This is crucial in 2016 when the nation is divided due to the increase in party polarization.
According to the Pew Research Center, 27 percent of Democrats see the Republican Party as a threat to the nation’s well-being. Likewise, 36 percent of Republicans see the Democratic Party as a threat to the nation’s well-being. This divide in politics caused by polarization has heavily influenced the way people talk about politics. In many instances, just as the CNN article showed people from the other side tend to block views from the other party. The purpose of this article is not to discredit any particular view but to demonstrate that people need to be more understanding of the different views that each person may have.
In the future, I will be arguing for policies that may be very liberal or very conservative. In some cases, I may try to argue for a policy that is completely against my own beliefs. My purpose in doing so is to remain nonpartisan and also to argue for policies that are for the common good, not for specific groups of people. There will be times where I will be discussing why certain individuals or members of a group take certain political actions. Some of these actions may be negative or positive. In general, those articles would be written mainly through a political science viewpoint. Those articles are not meant to support or attack anyone but rather explain their actions and give my opinion as to why they are effective or ineffective.
I will make a claim, which is a very difficult claim, even for me as someone who lives and breathes politics finds it very difficult sometimes to follow. I am suggesting that we need to hear other people's political views. If someone says they should or should not repeal the Affordable HealthCare Act (Obamacare); maybe, we should listen and ask the question “why?”. In doing so, you further the idea of American democracy. But also, you allow for better policies because you are hearing the other side more and actually try to understand them. What I suggest is very difficult because it is asking you to go against something you believe in. But if it can be done, politics may become less cynical. You may not see the other party as a threat to the nation’s well-being. Politics would be a more positive part of people’s lives rather than a negative. Therefore, talking about politics is crucial to American Democracy, only if it is done right.
