Have you ever been told something along the lines of “no politics at the dinner table?” I, for sure, can recall my parents saying this whenever certain family came over. Yet, lo and behold, there were numerous times where I’d find myself sitting between a heated argument over the latest news report as we dined. Now, looking back, I realize there was no problem with having a conversation on such topics. The true issue lied in the atmosphere of the discussion and the attitudes of its participants.
In today’s day and age (especially these past two years), American society seems to be growing increasingly divided over current issues. Friendships end, families become strained, and relationships fail simply due to a lack of civil discourse over controversial subjects.
More often than not, when I see others debate such issues, they enter with very closed perspectives. They engage in these conversations with the intent to prove their point or persuade the opposite side, rather than truly hold a productive discussion. This leads to both sides leaving with nothing but lesser respect or understanding of their counterpart. I feel we’ve reached a point where some will not even speak to another once they realize that person has an opposing thought.
If these close-minded practices persist, they could truly have a negative impact. When there is little to no civil discourse, society is left at a standstill. If we just started entering conversations with a much more open mind, it could allow for so much productivity. We could end up finding solutions or compromises to such longstanding disagreements. At the very least, it could allow us to leave with deeper understanding and empathy for the opposing side.
So, we’ve addressed the issue and why solving it could be so beneficial. But, how do we go about fixing this problem in our daily lives? I believe it starts with mentality. Talk to people with the desire to not only explain your thoughts to them but also deeply listen to what they have to say. With this altered perspective, you should soon be able to speak with others in a much more respectful manner, even when you might be stark opposites. On top of this, allow for some nuance in your conversations. Recognize that many of these topics are not all black and white, but often very gray.
Now that you’ve read all this, I implore you. Next time you strike up a conversation with a fellow student or someone on Instagram, don’t just write them off for having the opposite view. Listen to them, talk to them, learn something new. You could never guess where it might lead you.
I completely agree. The political divide in America is only getting worse and needs to change. The last thing America needs is more division.
This was a very interesting topic, and one that I think a lot of people (including myself) might relate to in some way. Being on Instagram over the last few years, I have seen a lot more people share posts on their stories that take a very binary stance on complicated issues, which make it hard to actually try and discuss an opinion someone has on said issue.
Good post! Yes, people definitely are taking on their beliefs like a light switch: either the lights on or the lights off, when rather many of these issues are more like a dimmer, where the perfect balance is in between.
I definitely agree with you when you said that over the last 2 years America has been coming more and more divided. You brought up a good point when you said that they engage in these conversations with the intent to prove their point or persuade the opposite side, rather than truly hold a productive discussion.