The U.S Needs Balance And You Are It
I can confidently state that most Americans aren't thrilled with the 2016 presidential candidates. In my opinion, neither candidate seems authentic and genuine in morale (one is blatantly off the walls tho). I won't get into specifics because the media has shoved detail after detail in every crevice of the internet, so I’ll just assume you know what’s up. After reading countless Facebook comments, articles, and participating in heated debates it seems like everyone is simply tired of the B.S. With that being said, I'd like to offer you my thoughts on some areas of concern and finesse in suggestions you can put into practice in your everyday life. I'm hoping that by the end of this I can make your perspective on politics/government seem a little less shitty.
Contention #1: Conversations Right Now Are Irrational
America is in a panic and I know you know it’s true. Despite which party you align with I guarantee that you, like me, can sense that the candidates are taking full advantage of the paranoia permeating our society. With an array of daunting issues facing Americans and our friends overseas, the popular presidential campaigns have made fear mongering tactics their go-to method for getting votes. As a result, the American people are slowly polarizing and buying into concepts that have already begun to create explicit divides within our society. This dispersion is leaving less and less room for meaningful dialogue. But yo, participating in level-headed discourse is legit the only thing that will bring change to our system.
Contention #2: Lack Of Civic Engagement
Is it me or does it seem like everyone becomes an expert on politics around election season? It's annoying af to be bombarded with the assumptions of self-proclaimed political scientists day in and day out for months when really all I want to see are videos of pugs and babies laughing. Nah, but seriously the fact is, in general, Americans don't care about staying up to date with government/politics (that goes for local, state, and federal). It's very convenient to be unhappy and indifferent about the election, but the overall dismissive attitude of the collective is what got us here. If you're unhappy, ask yourself "did I do/say anything at the onset of this issue?", if the answer is 'No' then you're part of the collective that doesn't didn't do anything to at least try to make a difference.
Suggestion #1: Remember Everyone is Human
If you find yourself unable to hold a conversation with someone whose views differ from yours, remember they’re human too. This person has experienced life in a way that has led them to think the way they do, so shifting their paradigms won’t be easy, but planting a seed isn’t nearly as difficult if done the right way. I have to remind myself of this frequently because I have an extremelyyyyyy difficult time dealing with people who allude to racial or religious discrimination because I have no tolerance for it in my life. But, I’ve come to accept that yelling at those people or calling them ignorant won’t change their mind what it will definitely do is raise my blood pressure. So keep in mind that the people you perceive to be "part of the problem" are human too. Exhibiting a purely reactive response will only reaffirm their perception and leave you feeling drained and defeated. Instead, make these uncomfortable conversations not so uncomfortable by remembering that these people became this way out of life experiences and hard wiring. Use that bright mind of yours to deconstruct their logic and make them think differently not by barking at them!
Suggestion #2: Do Something About it
This is a suggestion is really simple. Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk. Use this election as fuel to make sure you're never put in this position again. If you see fundamental issues in your party start working at resolving these issues NOW so that the next time election season comes around you can say you did "your part" in good conscious. Stop expecting other people to do good by you- represent your own damn self at every level of government! Write to your Congressman/woman, Mayor, Superintendent, Police department etc. DO SOMETHING. For those of you who are "woke" and have given up on the system part of me understands your angle because I have had plenty of moments where I've felt the same, but by doing nothing you're surrendering your power and that's the power we need to fix this shit.
What do you think about the current election season? Have you noticed the distance growing between you and your peers due to differing points of view? Have you come up with any suggestions or solutions on how to make this mess any better?