With the November election getting closer and closer each day, it's hard to ignore the constant political articles popping up in my newsfeed. It's a struggle to not have people's political views thrust in my face, no matter how much I don't care to see it. The truth is, I don't care how much pro-Trump and anti-Hillary you are, or vice versa. Being a Republican, Democrat or independent shouldn't be how you define yourself. Don't get me wrong, it can be a part of your identity and something you are proud of, but I don't believe it should be the first thing brought up in conversation.
In all honesty, I don't talk politics because people are never looking to change their views. I haven't witnessed one healthy debate, and I don't mean just those broadcast on NBC or FOX. I mean the ones that occur in the coffee shop or dining hall, the ones that can turn friends on one another and start fights that last for days. No one talks politics because they want to have their views challenged and their beliefs questioned; people talk politics to see who agrees with them and who doesn't.
If people were willing to calmly and rationally debate their ideas, it would be a different story. If I witnessed a government that could work together and make significant progress for my country, it would be a different story. If I knew that blatant conservatives and strong-willed liberals could work together without being blinded by their ideals, it would be a different story. Unfortunately, it is a rare case when one of these situations proves to be true.
I don't believe people should be judged solely on their political views. Try to judge them based on their morals and actions instead. That being said, I would highly advise you not to form your opinions just to align with your political party. Be your own person; form your own opinions that stem from what you believe to be right. No one can take that away from you.
So, when the election rolls around in November go ahead and head to the booths to cast your vote. Be proud of who you're voting for, and think hard about who you're voting for to lead our country. And, please, do everyone a favor and stop writing paragraph-long statuses about your favorite candidate -- no one wants to see it.