The society we live in is increasingly fixated on “Political Correctness,” and while it can be tedious and lead to unnecessary censorship in media and conversation, I do think it is important to think before you speak about things that may be touchy subjects for the people around you. The touchiest of subjects these days is the upcoming election, and the validity of the currant candidates. I firmly believe in letting people come to their own conclusions about important choices, so I believe that politics should be a conversation topic left off the table outside of certain situations. I have compiled a lift of when I think it is socially acceptable to talk about politics.

1. Amongst Friends

If you can’t have important conversations with your friends, you clearly are not hanging out with the right people. While amongst friends, one should be able to express their opinions with out fear of judgment, and if you happen to have an unpopular opinion your friends might just like you anyway

2. Amongst Family

Family is forever, so even if you decide not to vote and throw away your chance to make a difference in the future of our country, they will eventually get over it. By discussing politics with your family, you might also come to understand generation biases that affect the way your parents or grandparents see our current political situation. They can act as a foundation for you to form your own opinions and thoughts on.

3. In an Academic Setting

Political conversations can almost always turn into a learning opportunity. In a class room, or even one on one with a teacher or professor can be a great place for one to learn something about politics. Academic settings are also great for some healthy debate, as long as participants can refrain from speaking over each other and swapping insults like the civilized human beings I know we can all be. A difference in opinion can be easily settled amongst intellectuals, and wont result in ruffled feathers.

4. On Educational Online Platforms

Platforms like Odyssey allow millennials to speak up about issues in a safe environment where we can educate and inform others. Readers can easily get information on both sides of the presidential race and form opinions based on what they learn. Odyssey content creators endeavor to put out articles that are well written and well informed, though can hold some bias. As long as readers keep their wits about them, they can read the opinions of others and still be able to have their own.

There is one place where I firmly believe we should avoid talking about politics.

1. Social Media

While I believe in one’s right to exercise their rights to free speech however that may pertain to the internet, I caution against the use of social media to spew political ideals. I’ve encountered many radical people on both sides of the presidential race. There are few things less annoying than trying to scroll through your feed only to be bogged down by friends and family flinging insults back and forth on the behalf of our candidates. While the occasional repost of a scholarly source or support rally propaganda is acceptable, the constant battle in the comments section is not. There is always going to be that one person who has the opposite opinion than you and will be compelled to write something ranging from ignorant to just plain nasty in the comments. Post what ever you want, but at least have the common courtesy to keep your comments to yourself, especially if you don’t have something nice to say. Losing friends over Trump is not going to make the realities of this election less terrifying.

Instead of trying to force your opinions on to other people, you can instead encourage them to vote and exercise their right to the democratic process. It is important that everyone vote, no matter how ridiculous the candidates may seem. Every vote really does count, so vote your conscious.

#ImWithHer