Tag: holiday

Except when it comes to politics. “He doesn’t necessarily like Trump, but he voted for him. We mostly avoid talking politics but there have been a few times when I couldn’t stand it and I had a brief, explosive outburst.” Now that the midterms are over and the holidays are almost here, do people like Steuerwald feel ready to mend fences? Is she likely to forge a new detente with family and friends with divergent political views across the Thanksgiving table? We have entered the age of a nation divided, experts say. “It’s really going to feel like a break because the ads make us feel so inflamed. “But now the current political climate is just as big of a stressor.” It’s hard to check those feelings at the door — even when it comes to family. “I feel like it makes it hard to vote when so many facts are distorted or hidden,” she says. “I’m starting to feel like there isn’t hope for our political system.” Certainly civility may continue to be in short supply, experts warn. America is that unicorn but maintaining it is hard.” That’s why Steuerwald plans to maintain the gag rule on politics with her dad, especially during the holiday season.

Subscribe to E-news USC Dornsife experts explain how growing polarization in political and religious beliefs have made traditional holiday gatherings a challenge for families to navigate, and how to avoid a big blowout. Bitel notes that religious beliefs often overlap with political viewpoints. But public opinion surveys by the Pew Research Center have indicated that thread is fraying. Nearly a quarter of American adults in the most recent survey, released in 2015, had no religious affiliation, up from 16 percent in 2007. Politics is so much a part of the conversation these days. We should direct our anger towards things that actually deserve it.” Ever since that study, Kaplan has pondered how to prompt a change in the brain’s responses to bring people together. “What is your personal priority for this family gathering?” Margolin says. “Do you want to have a political discussion with somebody who sees things differently and turn this into an opportunity to learn something new? Or talk with new family members about their family traditions growing up?” Margolin says that even if someone else brings up divisive political issues, “be aware of your own hot buttons and don’t get drawn in on those discussions if you don’t want to have a political argument. You can think in advance about ways to sidestep the argument and guide the conversation in directions that you want it to go.” Ultimately, Margolin says, family gatherings over the holidays are intended to maintain family ties and history across generations.

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. 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. 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. With the polarization of the 2018 midterm elections, who knows how much worse these measurements will look just in time for your Thanksgiving dinner? If these intimate relationships are torn apart by politics, is there anything that isn’t in the line of fire in the battle of red versus blue? The best time to start on this journey toward reconciliation is at the holiday table with those you love. If you want to make a change within society, the best place to start is within yourself. Despite this, applying the holiday season’s themes of love, charity and kindness to our individual political engagement, especially when addressing individuals of differing views, is a step in the right direction.

Mother's Day is our chance to apologize to mom for forcing our enormous skulls through her birth canal. If you are still trying to figure out what to get your mom for Mother's Day, all you have to do is…