In 2018, nothing seems more difficult than having a civil conversation about U.S. politics. These conversations can be emotional and confusing, especially with misinformation and sensitive subjects taking center stage in our news cycle. With all the animosity surrounding our current political climate, it is more important than ever to engage in these difficult conversations with each other. This isn’t an issue of “right” versus “left”, or moral versus evil; it is an issue of miscommunication between people of conflicting beliefs.
Although I typically don’t like to use a one-word label to describe my political ideologies, I am aware that my ideas lean “left” and most people would describe me as a liberal. I am in the vocal majority on campus, and most of my friends share many of the same beliefs. Because they’re the minority, people with conservative ideologies tend to feel unheard on campus. This is a major shortcoming on our campus considering Seattle University’s values center around social justice. Not only is it hypocritical to silence another person’s voice when you haven’t heard their argument, but this also leads to more animosity, more divisiveness, and more silence. Silence is not productive in discussions.
It’s important to stress the listening part of this discussion because if you aim to change someone’s beliefs, you will likely leave feeling defeated and frustrated. Make your goal to share your ideas, whether or not people agree, and to honestly listen and objectively evaluate other people’s points. This is easier said than done, but remembering that everyone’s opinion stems from their unique life experiences is essential for an inclusive discussion.
I would also like to take a moment to touch on hate speech. While free speech is an important, defining characteristic of our country, in no circumstances do I think you should tolerate hate speech or active efforts to oppress or humiliate others. If someone is making inflammatory statements and has no intention of listening to others, then it is best to give these people no attention at all.
You do not have to look very far to see issues of morality and social activism linked to tension between the Democratic and Republican parties. Controversies including Colin Kaepernick’s activism and Kavanaugh’s hearing are social issues with tons of news coverage, yet the party line has morphed these issues for their ulterior political motives. It is important to not only differentiate between the moral motivation, the involved individual’s motivation, and the party’s motivation, but also examine how these intersect with one another.
I have found myself avoiding political conversations in recent years in fear of witnessing a discussion or debate devolve into a hostile fight. After all, I’ve seen it happen countless times; in the classroom, over the dinner table, and even at social events, politics can quickly ruin the night and turn everyone’s moods sour. This year, I have been actively seeking out discussions of politics rather than avoiding them due to fear. Everyone’s afraid, but avoidance only increases the divides in our country. I believe in a future where discussing politics can bring Americans together rather than tear us apart, and that starts here. That starts with us.