The holidays are just around the corner. Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, the old rule of not discussing religion, money or politics serves as a reminder of the issues which can divide even those who love each other the most. But in an era where everything, from ice cream to music, is politicized, avoiding political topics in conversation with those of differing views becomes almost impossible. Is this overly divisive and ever-present political tension healthy for society?
If the idea of wading into a political subject with friends or family with whom you disagree gives you a sinking feeling of dread during the most wonderful time of the year, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research Study, 59 percent of Americans find discussing politics with those who share different views of the Trump administration stressful or anxiety-inducing. Among individuals leaning to the left, only 28 percent find that discussing politics with those leaning to the right can be interesting and informative.
This divisive picture is darkened by the fact that nearly one in four Americans feel that their relationships with friends, family or co-workers have been strained by voting for opposing candidates. Unsurprisingly, these feelings of relational division only increase with greater partisanship or deeper ideological commitment, as nearly half of all strongly-identifying liberal Democrats feel their relationships with Trump voters have been weakened by the last presidential election.
With the polarization of the 2018 midterm elections, who knows how much worse these measurements will look just in time for your Thanksgiving dinner?
Keep in mind, though, that these percentages are more than just ivory-tower analysis and have a greater…
