Please Stop Fighting Over Which Political Party Is Better | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Please Stop Fighting Over Which Political Party Is Better

Dealing with friends that have differing political ideologies.

41
Please Stop Fighting Over Which Political Party Is Better
OpenClipart-Vectors

The constant battle between the two major political parties is a well-advertised topic. Government policies and the actions of politicians are continuously broadcasted as well as the various reactions from other politicians, ordinary citizens and interest groups. After taking AP U.S. Government and Politics last year, the number of close friends and people I know that pay attention to politics has exponentially increased, especially with the upcoming 2016 presidential election. For some of us former students, keeping up with politics has almost become second nature, and understanding what’s currently happening is much easier after learning all the content. To be honest, this year was perhaps one of the “best” years to be taking this class: the timing coincided right with the primaries/caucuses, a Supreme Court justice died right as we started our chapter about the judicial branch, etc. (most of my class agreed that this was more creepy than providential but let’s look on the positive side of the situation.) Learning about the different ideologies is beneficial to giving students a more rounded view of our government and the various actions politicians take to try to improve our country. However, even though we are taught the different views political parties have, people still tend to pick sides and advocate for a single political view. Of course, students should be learning this material and understanding it; it’s not wrong to pick a view that fits their beliefs better.

Especially with the debate over who will be the next president and the qualifications of the candidates, the media has positively exploded with support and criticism. Not only do we see all these advertisements all over social media, people are personally sharing their personal views on their accounts as well. It’s not just online either, and even in day-to-day conversations, people are constantly talking about the primaries/caucuses’ results, who they think will come out on top in the polls and their views on the different candidates.

While most of my close friends support one party, there are those few that have radically different ideas on the government’s policies. Naturally, when the topic of government actions comes up, these differing sides clash. Yes, it’s nice to hear everyone’s opinion about various issues. Arguing about the merits of certain governmental actions allows us to see the problem and potential solutions from multiple angles and gives a more well-rounded view of the issue. However, despite the benefits, the resulting heated arguments and awkward tensions in relationships because of these discussions sometimes don’t feel worth the trouble. I’m not advocating nor rejecting a certain party, but sometimes dealing with the constant battles over essentially the same issues all the time can get tiring. I understand that one may have incredibly strong feelings about a certain topic, but is it really necessary to constantly harp over how one party is so obviously superior in their beliefs over another?

I don’t mean to say it’s necessarily wrong to discuss politics with one’s peers. However, one should keep in mind the sentiments of those who do not follow government actions as ardently as oneself and those who hear the same arguments over and over again.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181400
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8311
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453259
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23771
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments