There was a time when I loved engaging in passionate discussions – including politics and religion, two topics that could be very controversial. It was a time when diverse beliefs, values, and viewpoints were expressed vehemently and a flicker of temper sometimes flared. We would banter and tease, toss out facts and statistics to support our opinions as well as share personal experiences that resulted in why we felt the way we felt. We’d laugh, disagree, laugh again, sometimes get tense and frustrated – yet never did we hate or discard family, friends, or others because of our differences. We never called people ‘stupid’ or condemned them for opinions that were opposite of our own. Why? Because we conducted ourselves with respect, civility, and compassion.
Today, that’s not happening. I’m at a point that I rarely want to engage with anyone because so many are angry, confrontational, and irrational. It’s exhausting. I’m also at a point that I’m tired of social media because it’s so difficult to find the good. You scroll upon an interesting post then read the comments to find people are rude, vulgar, and ugly. They’ll argue over anything and in a vicious, mean tone with beyond colorful language.
Politics has become a wildfire burning out of control with people posting memes bashing America, hating Trump, hating Democrats, hate, hate, hate. I say if you want to make everything political and go on rants, join a political group where it’s welcomed then afford the rest of us the opportunity to see the more pleasant side of life – kids, grandkids, pets, life’s milestones. The only thing that’s bi-partisan today is that many of our politicians lack decorum – profanity, dirty jabs at each other. It’s like the grammar school behavior of cliques and bullies, but sadly it’s real life and very few seem to want to rise above.
I do believe there is so much good surrounding us every day. There are so many wonderful people, making a difference in their communities and supporting each other. But when you watch news or scroll social media, it’s a cesspool of ugliness. What a shame that people have made a habit, and some even find joy, in wanting to demean, fight, and ridicule others.
If you truly want to make a difference politically, write to your elected officials. They have the power because they are (supposed) to be working for you. They’re your voice spoken. They’re your means to initiating change. To the armchair politicians, turn your venomous social posts into action by getting involved at the local, state and federal level. Show up at town meetings, get out and vote, and stay current on news through legitimate sources – hard to find today, I know.
But most importantly – stop fighting each other. Learn how to work together, seek commonalities vs. differences. Listen to comprehend and understand, even if you disagree. Learn to pick and choose your battles. If someone is unreasonable and irrational, don’t engage. If they’re rude and ignorant, don’t engage. Who has that energy these days? I realize some love to be activists in their daily lives, preaching to others and looking for any chance to push their agenda. If they find others to listen and persuade, that’s great. But if someone doesn’t want to engage, respect that and find some common ground to discuss, or simply go on your way.
I am not one for marches or protests, and I certainly will never condone violent, disruptive ones. I don’t believe in blocking traffic, preventing patients in ambulances from getting to the hospital in time to save their lives or get the treatment they need, or making people late for work or miss interviews to get work. Personally, I’d rather channel my energy in other ways for the greater good.
Life is tough enough. Countless people find out they have cancer each day. Every hour someone loses family and friends. Others are fighting an addiction. Some are caring for aging parents, children – or both. Work is stressful. Loneliness and depression are an epidemic. The list goes on.
Be kind. Be courteous. Be compassionate. Be tolerant. And be mature enough to rise above the outrage and ridicule. Let’s stop fighting each other and seek ways to actually get along.
