In today’s volatile political climate, it can oftentimes feel difficult to engage in meaningful political discourse. 

In the flames composed by the instability of our country, the politicization of racism, sexism, homophobia, antisemitism, islamophobia and bigotry have only engulfed the U.S. in a greater fire. 

The added incorporation of religious beliefs in politics has additionally fueled our environment, commonly impressed within policy decisions in direct opposition to the separation of church and state.

As difficult as this may be to hear, the downfall of your political conversations is an output of your own behavior. 

With the absence of hateful, intolerant, and outdated rhetoric that some believe are protected as a part of their ‘political beliefs’ (which they are not), I’ve noticed that talking about politics does not have to be taboo or difficult-people simply just go about it incorrectly.

Although I’m not the messiah of civility, I truly want everyone to have consistently effective discussions. That comes from my love of government and desire to maintain democratic ideals.

“Every society needs people who are more conservative to protect from rash decision making, and those who are more progressive to address the community’s problems and move it forward. Without both perspectives that society will fail,” said social worker Dan Maigler, “Recognize that the people who disagree with your position are essential to helping you see your own blind spots.” 

THINK before you speak

Especially within the confines of the pandemic, many have turned to the internet as a platform to share their political beliefs.

 One of the easiest ways to spread the word on political and human rights issues is on social media.

In person, we rely on body language and facial gestures to gauge each other’s responses. Online however, a certain level of humanity is lost; we can never truly understand how the other party feels, but can only make an educated guess from the information they provide.

Especially when masked by the anonymity of a screen, it’s easy to undermine the gravity of one’s words and the effect they have on others. 

Despite its simplicity, the acronym of THINK has stuck with me throughout my life. Especially as an individual prone to talk before I think, reminding myself of these principles has done me much good.

To combat the risk of engaging in an exchange more harmful than helpful, I suggest listening more than you talk (or type for that matter), and when you do verbally contribute, refer to the “THINK” acronym.

Not only does this provide more time to both craft an effective response and form a greater understanding of their perspective, it also mitigates the probability of lashing out, resorting to name-calling, or leaving both parties unsatisfied.

“Commit to really listening when the other person is talking,” said social studies teacher Cheryl Kyrias. “Take your emotions out of it.” 

Never engage in name-calling

This should be a given. Resorting to name-calling in a situation defending your legitimacy (which is every situation you’re involved in) completely breaks down any layer of trust built up by your opposing party. This is especially amplified when using slurs and extremely offensive language.