Thanksgiving often brings a sense of dread. Not because the turkey was burnt, but because of the nasty political debate that split the table down the middle.
It’s really awkward to ask, “Can you pass me the gravy?” His remarks came after a heated debate over whether abortion should be decided by the federal government or by the states. This dynamic reflects the deep political divisions in our society, and that is undeniable.
Whether it’s arguing with your uncle about the significance of electing the first female president or your cousin lecturing you about why “illegal aliens” shouldn’t leave the country, political disagreements can strain relationships. There is. A tense conversation.
As we navigate these intense conversations, it’s worth considering the underlying currents that drive our beliefs. Understanding the emotional and social factors involved may not only help you survive Thanksgiving dinner, but also help you find common ground amidst the din of clashing ideologies.
A constant question running through my mind is what makes us believe what we believe, and how can we relate to each other without losing sight of the bonds that bind us.
I vividly remember the moment I found my voice amidst the political turmoil. My father is a former Secret Service agent, my stepmother is a former staffer for former President Barack Obama, and my “Yaya” is a fierce and confident woman who has always taught me to stand up for what I believe in and is steeped in politics. The fact that I grew up in a family that was steeped in this means that I thought that way. He was politically motivated from an early age.
I’m surrounded by both sides of the political spectrum, and this not only tests my patience, but also develops a sense of what I believe and approaches heated political conversations more thoughtfully. It also helped me learn how.
What I have found most helpful in navigating situations like this is the need to set healthy boundaries by knowing when to engage in an argument and when to back off, especially when emotions are running high. That means there is. It is important to choose the right time and context for these conversations and create space for thoughtful, rather than reactionary, dialogue.
Additionally, active listening plays an important role, allowing you to understand the other person’s perspective, which is often shaped by personal experiences and fears. Finding common ground, such as shared values such as fairness and community, can help bridge ideological gaps. Their point of view rather than trying to convince them.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the symbols and ideologies that divide us, it’s important to remember that behind every belief there is a human being and behind every vote there are real-world consequences.
Larry Zeponis, an intelligent and resourceful teaching assistant in the Political Science of Elections and Voting Behavior course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shares an insightful perspective on this dynamic, even when there are clear differences. He emphasized the ability to find common ground during discussions, even in difficult situations. .
Cheponis told the Daily Cardinal that he grew up progressive in a conservative small town and has always stood firm on his ideas from an early age.
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“It’s interesting with my friends, when we get together again…we never talk about politics,” Cheponis said.
In 2020, navigating political discussions in a group setting posed challenges. Cheponis recalled feeling isolated in her group of 12 friends, facing jokes and ridicule for her political views.
“I think we would both agree that low-income and middle-class people don’t get a fair share of the government…Democrats and Republicans, in one way or another, benefit corporate interests,” he said. I feel indebted to him.”
Mr. Cheponis recognized that many people, regardless of political affiliation, have common concerns and emphasized the potential for productive dialogue.
“Everything in life is political, but life is not all about politics,” he said.
This perspective shows that while political beliefs inevitably influence many aspects of our lives, they also do not define our entire existence or the value of our relationships during Thanksgiving. It reminds us that we shouldn’t make decisions.
Megan Chase, a confident and outspoken senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told Cardinal that it’s important to set boundaries in relationships where political views conflict.
“I honestly think that if people listened to each other and really tried to understand where each other’s points are coming from, we would realize that we are not as divided as we think. “I think so,” Chase said.
Chase also said that political discussions foster a sense of being heard and understood, rather than a fight of opinion, so avoid interrupting each other during political discussions. He said that efforts should be made to avoid this.
“It’s so important to let the other person express their point of view without interruptions…this also applies to friends, family, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. And it’s a lot harder than you think,” she says. said.
She recalled advice from a former boss: “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen more than you speak.”
Chase explained that this simple but profound approach not only applies to political conversations, but is a valuable tool for maintaining healthy relationships in all areas of life.
I’ve observed over the years that people feel proud of their political positions, and when you disagree with their views, it’s like undermining their identity in a way. Ta. During election season, neighbors proudly display “Harris for President” signs, display “Blue Lives Matter” flags on their cars, and wear MAGA hats at the grocery store. We see this scene everywhere. Behind these symbols are people who are proud of their beliefs, or perhaps find a sense of belonging in something bigger than themselves.
But just like rooting for your favorite sports team, people rally behind political causes. But sometimes we lose sight of the fact that presidential elections are not sports games. It’s important to remember that beneath the billboards and slogans, these political decisions affect everyday people. We must not lose sight of the humanity at the heart of these conversations. Because that’s what really matters.
Take pride in your voice. But don’t waste any more time. Grow your family and friends. Relationships are far more important than any argument.
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