we are better than this | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
News

We Are Better Than This

Stop with the shouting and subtweeting and start with the adult conversation

81
https://pixabay.com/photos/people-woman-rally-protest-unite-2575608/
StockSnap

So, here's the deal. I know that, anymore, there are a million and two ranty political articles out there, but I'm going to truly do my best to keep this article from becoming just another one gumming up your social media feeds. If all goes to plan, you could read this article from start to finish and still not know my political leanings.

That's because I'm not here to argue for one side or the other. I'm not here to tell you why I'm right, and you're wrong. I'm not here to be an advocate for this or a protestor against that. I've simply come to notice something that concerns me about.

No one will just talk anymore.

Any more, people just scream their opinions at each other, digging in their heels and refusing to yield in any way shape or form. No longer are there calm discussions about differences in beliefs and life views. This has not only led to a toxic and ever growing divide between parties, but it has diminished more universal respect of how other people think.

Hot button topics like abortion, gun control, immigration reform, and more all seem to light a fire under people. They take to facebook, twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to vent, and, all of a sudden, mini-wars break out between friends and random strangers alike.

And, we can all agree, it gets annoying. I love a well thought out political meme or cartoon from either side, but after a week of seeing it everywhere, it gets to be a LOT! People are quick to post but slow to talk, and it all seems somewhat counterproductive.

We are so divided politically, it's a wonder anything gets done anymore. With an impending election (or at least an impending race) everything seems to fire up all over again. The aggressive divide between Trump, Sanders, and Clinton supporters are a shadow of the past, but there is still hope for civilized democracy in years to come.

That can only happen if we agree to chill every once in a while and talk, yes, talk, not scream, through our differences. I'm not saying you need to go and befriend everyone at the opposite end of the spectrum, but it wouldn't hurt to hear what others have to say.

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

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

3796
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

118263
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Bucket List To Live In The Now

Find excitement in your life and start exploring wherever you are right here, right now.

527
mu bucket list

I was sitting at my cubicle, now that I am an adult, looking at the rain pouring down on the windowsill, bumming on life, wishing for the rain to just stop for a full day.

There are moments where we count down the hours until work is over and how many more days till the weekend, and this many weeks until something exciting. Or something like that? Well, I was bumming because my next day off from work is not until Memorial Day weekend, which is not until the end of May. And since this is my first year out of college being a “real person,” I am totally missing the winter, spring and summer breaks. I am sure all of us have felt this way even if just for a hot minute…

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Ways To Survive Finals As Told By Leslie Knope

Because you know you're going to be stressed out, and Leslie knows exactly how to survive.

396
Everything hurts and I'm dying

So finals are on their way. That's right everybody, finals are about to start.

But hey, don't panic. Start getting your affairs in order and prepare for a week of hell. Here's a few things Leslie Knope wants you to do to make your finals week just a little bit less stressful:

Keep Reading...Show less
Kent State University
Great Value Colleges

If you go to or went to Kent State, then more than likely you have done or will do some of these things.

1. You’ve slipped and fallen on the ice at least once.

The winters at Kent are brutal, and while the heated sidewalks and some great snow boots are always a help, there’s no chance you won’t bust it on the ice at least once in your four plus years at school.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments