I rarely make political comments on my blog or the blogs of others. It’s not that I don’t have political views—I do—but I find politics to be too often divisive and my focus is on being as inclusive as I can. I’d simply rather build bridges than burn them, and dismissing nearly half the people in my country because they are in a different political party seems to me like a wasted opportunity.
Politics and political rhetoric in the U.S. have heated up as a major and important election nears. In my judgment, both major parties have important things to say and both have said and done some amazingly silly things too.
I have loved ones and clients who are of all political persuasions. I myself have strong beliefs that would fit into key aspects of most of the major political platforms, and some aspects of each platform concern me.
I believe labeling, stereotyping, and then demonizing whole groups of people for their party affiliations is inaccurate and unkind.
Some of my cherished loved ones engage in the practice, and it saddens me for them and for the people they love who they are insulting.
For example, a dear loved one uses Facebook to forward one-sided insults about the other party. One of her most recent insults went something like, “If you are a _____________, you are either a ________ or a __________ (both very derogative things).
When I read that, I’d had enough. I was the first to comment, and I wrote:
“Which am I, my friend?”
Days later, I’ve not heard from her, but unlike most other such postings, no one has added to the comments of that post, and I’ve not seen any more such posts from her.
Russ
I think divisiveness can be a contagious and insidious element to the political dialogue. There is almost an implied (or not-so-implied) sense of one-ups-manship. Who can be nastier? Who can get in the best zinger? It’s not uncommon in the workplace either unfortunately. On some level, I choose to believe that most people – even those who are seduced by it – realize that it is dilutive and reflects less focus on the issues that really do matter.
Russ – I knew I liked you and admire your stance – it is divisive in Canada too –
Thank you for your compliment and comment. The feeling is mutual.
Russ
It is so true. Many friends post on FB, commentary and/or partisan slogans that cannot help but insult those of differing views. Personally, I’d prefer not to have 3/4 of the white space available taken up with such things…always choose to ignore rather than be drawn into debate with a cleverly worded slug. To have an intelligent, fact based debate seems very unlikely, which is sad because that is what we need; not these mud slinging zingers. ugh
Thank you for your feedback, Rhonda. Some of my friends have asked if they could use my words in similar situations. I think it would be great if people from all parts of the political spectrum did so as long as they did it from a place of love and in situations where they have a good relationship with the person posting the the political attacks. I think much good could come from it. Sometimes it only takes someone holding up a loving mirror to help people to see what others are seeing.
Russ
Agree 100%.
Thanks Russ
Thank you for sharing your courageous stance, and for speaking up against someone near and dear. You helped open her eyes, I believe. Thank you again.
With gratitude, your friend Gina
Thank you for your wonderfully kind–as always–comment, Gina. I appreciate your feedback because I see now that I’d inadvertantly misled readers and I want to correct my error: While it appeared that I was speaking up against her comment, in my mind I was speaking up FOR HER.
Russ
Excellent point Russ. The power of words! Yes, speaking up FOR her… I love that. I had written that it appeared you were speaking up ‘against’ referring to the action itself, and I especially appreciate that you were not afraid to point out what she was doing. But you’ve brought wonderful clarity here: speaking up for her. Thank you dear man.
And thanks to you dear woman for being in my life!
Russ
Well said. And I would not expect less than this truth from you! ♥ paula
Thank you, Paula, though I suspect you will never need to hear anything like that question from me! Russ
Beautifully said!!
Christina
Thank you, Christina!
Russ