A Call For Civil Discourse OR He’s Just Not That Into Your Political Theater
In an ode to my dear friend and former roommate, I must admit I’m just not that into political theater. Like many political-science-degree-holding-Ezra-Klein-wannabees, I’m far more interested in public policy formulation and the legislative process than I am in reality TV style politics (this is me looking down my nose at you).
The thing about election season is that it’s pretty much the one time that everyone is obsessed with politics. Even lower-information folks who are either uninformed, disillusioned, or disinterested now have and will (loudly) voice their opinion. And if you disagree with them, well you’re just an idiot, now aren’t you?
We’ve all seen the endless and angry battles of word and wit on our friends’ and family members’ Facebook walls when political disagreements arise. They always devolve into mudslinging battles of the worst kind, where religion and abortion are referenced, usually by way of, “I no longer believe in a loving God because if he really existed then He wouldn’t allow you to be so stupid,” and, “I now support abortions in the 98th trimester because of how ignorant you are.” Except everything is spelled wrong. And the grammar. Oh, the grammar.
I used to be one of those people (but without the spelling and grammar errors) right after I graduated college and the 2008 election just a few months away. I would advocate so passionately on behalf of my progressive ideals, and the next harebrained libertarian to refute what I say WILL RUE THE DAY, I TELL YOU!
Of course, at the end of these exchanges nothing is ever accomplished except for hurt feelings, e-rage, and a shorter friends lists.
I’ve calmed down a bit since then. As a matter of fact, I’ve made it a matter of policy to discuss politics on Facebook as infrequently as possible, with the occasional exception of posting an important news story or witty political cartoon.
The reason why an adherence to politeness and civil disagreement is so important because when we are blinded by anger at our adversaries, we forget what is important to us. Serious and real issues like voting rights, indefinite detention, internet privacy, campaign finance, and so on are brushed to the side and swept under the rug and replaced with divisiveness and disunity. I saw this just the other day. The friend who this post is dedicated to updated her Facebook status with a reference to protecting abortion rights, and the conversation almost immediately became inflamed by angry name-calling responses and calloused ad-hominen attacks from both sides.
The real tragedy when this happens is that we psychologically dehumanize our ideological opponents. We literally forget that they’re thinking, feeling, breathing, seeing human beings. And that’s irrespective of the point being debated, which is completely unsalvageable at that point.
This is why I ask you to remain calm at all times throughout this election season. It will be a long one. Candidates will say stupid things. People will disagree with you. But always remember that even those who disagree with you have a point of view, and if you want to have even a remote chance of changing their opinion, you must respect them as a person and avoid lowering yourself to a more primitive level.
