Elephant in the Room: People should be able to have a civil conversation about politics

I was nine years old when I was devastated that Trump won the election. 

I was 13 when I wore all blue while waiting for the results of the 2020 election. 

I was 14 when I yelled “my body, my choice” at pro-life protestors.

Expressing my opinion has never been difficult for me, until I’m around my extended family. “Don’t talk about money, age or politics. Politics get too awkward, too hurtful.” 

Political conversations, although uncomfortable, are necessary to address recent political events and voice perspectives that otherwise might not be heard.

Discussing your opinion on the latest policy doesn’t need to end in a screaming match. There’s a way to address political conflict without social conflict. Arguments stem from uneducated responses and an unwillingness to listen to an opposing view.

It’s imperative that politics are addressed — whether it’s around family members, friends or classmates, especially at this point in time. Using reliable news outlets, such as CNBC, rather than depending on social media matters.

When spending time with family, 40% of U.S. adults say they’re unwilling to discuss politics according to Pew Research Center.

But there are plenty of ways to voice how we feel without tearing someone down. It was risky to bring up abortion rights in the car with my grandparents, but ended up being more informative than hurtful. We took turns expressing our points and were patient with each other. I started with “can I say something else?” instead of diving into an aggressive argument.

Thanksgiving dinner used to be broken up into the adult and kid table. We’re now two kids away from one collective table. The right to vote will be available for all of us in the next election. Being informed is worth a lot more than some uncomfortable shifting in our seats.

For a period of time, I stopped posting about political events because I didn’t want to seem too extreme. But tip-toeing around my opinion has become boresome and pointless. If I’m not proud enough of my own views to voice them, are they worth having in the first place?

When navigating political talk, keep in mind attempting to convince people they’re wrong isn’t respectful, it’s a surefire way to lose trust with your audience.

Just like any other sensitive subject, respecting the opinion of others is essential. If you’re going to have the conversation, listen intently. Don’t scroll on your phone or start doing tasks around you in case of an awkward moment.

Political opinions can be fragile, know your audience. Not everyone is able to freely express their opinions safely, and discussing the latest supreme court decision isn’t always beneficial. With that being said, don’t be afraid to disagree with others. Although some people may argue, having a different opinion than your best friend is okay.

Just because your social studies teacher is moderate, doesn’t mean you need to be. It’s okay to be biased and ask pointed questions. There shouldn’t be pressure to copy and paste someone else’s opinions into your own.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to freely advocate their opinion without the fear of being criticized. In a time where the parties are divided, open up the conversation of listening to a perspective different from your own.