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.
