As we are just around the corner from the holidays, many are already bracing themselves for heated political debates over turkey and stuffing.
2020 may not be over yet but it has already been an insanely frightening ride for most of us, featuring everything imaginable from the pandemic, economic crisis, wildfires, hurricanes, even down to a national coin shortage. To top it all off, 2020 is an election year.
Political discussion among families has always been common and what some might say to be an American tradition. However, due to the increasing polarization and partisanism of almost every topic, issue, and decision, giving one’s personal perspective around family members may not be particularly appealing.
Senior and Forensic Chemistry major Raegan Auton gave her thoughts in response to whether or not her political views have changed since attending college, and if she now disagrees with members in her family who she used to agree with.
“My opinions definitely did change, especially with my dad who has more conservative beliefs, whereas me and my mom are on the same page a little bit more,” Raegan said.
Like Raegan, many students are not fully exposed to different aspects of issues prior to college because their parents may only be watching one news channel, or are not surrounded by people who hold different beliefs and opposing views. Numerous students wholeheartedly believed that their parents and family were on the “right” side of every issue, until they actually learned how to properly research and find the facts for themselves only to discover that they see things differently now. It is understandable why many would choose to simply be quiet about their own recent discoveries around family.
“We just kind of avoid talking about politics for the most part. It depends on the topic, sometimes I may try to explain things by using examples, back it up with facts, and share what I’ve learned from college,” Raegan said.
Unless seriously dangerous circumstances could occur, don’t run from political discussion. Rather, circumvent making things personal regarding the other side. Explaining what you have learned, experienced for yourself and why you see things the way you do, is the best way to keep people from feeling threatened or insulted.
Prepare to speak on the issues you are passionate about. Have a clear understanding of what you believe and why. Know the facts and be sure to remind everyone that your sources are unbiased, objective and bipartisan.
It may seem impossible to find such sources in the age of misinformation but a few examples are The Associated Press, PBS News, BBC and NPR. It is also important to take advantage of the Dacus Library database as well.
Bring up historical facts and instances that relate to the present times in a way that might be able to shed light on issues today. Steer the conversation toward each person sharing their own individual thoughts and analyses, with the intention of listening to each other, instead of creating sides and trying to win a battle.
It could feel awkward, difficult or frustrating to do, but try to view this challenge as an opportunity for yourself to grow and help others broaden their minds. These are the kinds of conversations that, if carried out in a non-threatening way, can deepen relationships.
Sharing your thoughts and knowledge on issues that impact the world we live in will help others see you in a new, more mature, light. Not everyone will agree with you, but at least they can say that you have taken the time to find the facts and have deeply considered the issues with great thought and reasonable perspective.
Photo by Emma Crouch
