'Heard a good (radio program) "This American Life" yesterday, 'dealing with the fallout of people who do not agree on political matters. This is a serious subject that effects everyone. They presented life-long friends who no longer speak, family members, who are no longer welcome at family gatherings, the works.
We all know people like this, and most of us have a personal experience in line with this. So what can we do about it? Make no mistake, this is everyone's problem.
First step: don't start a conversation around politics unless you are ready to have a civil conversation on the subject. Many is the time someone has started this conversation with me with the agenda of being affirmed.
If you ask me what I think, be prepared to accept "this is what I think". A 30 minute lecture from you is not going to "straighten me out".
Step two: Seek to understand (the other person) NOT be understood. That means letting the other person explain their thoughts. Not everyone is a political scientist, so often this takes patience.
If the other party does not echo your belief system, IT DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE WRONG. It means their life experience, religion, etc. has led them to a different conclusion.
Step three: Please accept that being Americans means we have the freedom of having our own political beliefs, our own religious practices, even (just recently in some states) love who we are inclined to love. A demand that your way is the RIGHT way and anything else is the "wrong way" is a tossing out of the basis of what America stands for.
Step Four: Take a step back and really think about the BIG PICTURE. Are the thoughts in your head really worth alienating your friends and family members? I can respect your passion, but what are you accomplishing? I am not in charge of the world and neither are you. Try to have a little faith in people.
We all know people like this, and most of us have a personal experience in line with this. So what can we do about it? Make no mistake, this is everyone's problem.
First step: don't start a conversation around politics unless you are ready to have a civil conversation on the subject. Many is the time someone has started this conversation with me with the agenda of being affirmed.
If you ask me what I think, be prepared to accept "this is what I think". A 30 minute lecture from you is not going to "straighten me out".
Step two: Seek to understand (the other person) NOT be understood. That means letting the other person explain their thoughts. Not everyone is a political scientist, so often this takes patience.
If the other party does not echo your belief system, IT DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE WRONG. It means their life experience, religion, etc. has led them to a different conclusion.
Step three: Please accept that being Americans means we have the freedom of having our own political beliefs, our own religious practices, even (just recently in some states) love who we are inclined to love. A demand that your way is the RIGHT way and anything else is the "wrong way" is a tossing out of the basis of what America stands for.
Step Four: Take a step back and really think about the BIG PICTURE. Are the thoughts in your head really worth alienating your friends and family members? I can respect your passion, but what are you accomplishing? I am not in charge of the world and neither are you. Try to have a little faith in people.
