I can confidently say that I don’t have a single friend with whom I agree on everything with. Some of our debates include whether or not country music deserves any time on aux, what the superior pasta shape is, and if Timothee Chalamet is actually attractive or looks more like a Victorian orphan. While my opinions on said topics are strong, I can still sleep at night knowing that people in my life don’t feel the same way. However, if a friend of mine cast their presidential vote on the side of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and hate, they would simply be out of my life in an instant.
And no, I’m not being dramatic.
You may believe that letting different political ideologies be the make or break of a relationship is extreme, or maybe even petty and immature. However, the stances that Donald Trump and his administration have shamelessly taken over the past four years do not fall under the category of ‘political ideologies.’ Rather, basic human rights and environmental issues have been politicized, in order to advance his own agenda at the expense of the well-being of those living in the United States, and of the planet. The coronavirus pandemic, increasing effects of climate change, the Black Lives Matter movement and a multitude of other issues should not be categorized as Democratic or Republican beliefs. At the end of the day, they’re so dissociated from your party alignment. These issues are nothing more than the baseline of being a decent human being — and yet, here we are.
During the entirety of his term, President Trump has shown blatant prejudice, judgement and hate to virtually every minority group, through the things he says and the policies he’s created. It would take pages upon pages to recount every instance, but the fact that there’s even a single one to begin with should immediately raise some concerns. Take a second and think about a handful of the absolutely absurd comments made or actions taken. Now ask yourself: would you maintain a relationship with someone who acted the same way?
Let’s say your friend calls your gay brother a homophobic slur, makes fun of your family member for having a disability, very openly displays that they treat others differently based on the color of their skin, has an overwhelming amount of sexual assault allegations against them, or refuses to tell you the truth time and time again regarding multiple situations. Does any one of those scenarios sound like someone you want in your life?
There’s a 99% chance that you, reading this right now, do not have a personal relationship with Donald Trump. However, maintaining a relationship with a person who still supports him and his administration is no better. It undoubtedly shows your blind complacency, which reflects upon your priorities and character regardless of if you personally voted for him or not. Being a good perso –- and yes, voting for Trump absolutely strips away your right to call yourself a good person – is not a differing opinion to be looked past. There is not a single excuse to defend a vote for him, and trying to find one, once again, says just as much about you as Trump and his supporters.
I encourage you to strongly consider your relationships with those who cast a red vote in the 2020 Election. If no one has told you this, let me be the first: cut them off. I know it’s much easier said than done, but when you take a step back and really digest what they are standing for by wanting Donald Trump in office for four more years, you’ll quickly realize that it has absolutely nothing to do with politics, yet everything to do with being an absolute garbage can of a human being.
I love having different opinions than my friends, as our conversations would be pretty boring if we agreed on everything all the time. But tolerance, acceptance of everyone, human rights, and believing in science are not topics of silly disagreements. Give your energy to those who choose to stand on the right side of history, and are smart enough to know that the ignoramus in the White House needs to be voted. The. Hell. Out.