“The best way to lose a friendship is by talking about politics or religion,” I learned many years ago.
Since then, I’ve tried to follow this advice, especially when I perceive that my relative or close friend is passionately advocating for their candidate without listening to anyone else’s opinion.
I consider that even heated conversations can be elevated as long as the ideas are supported with facts, and we do not fall into insulting or offending the opponent’s opinion.
Coming from a developing country where we have the record of having six presidents in the last eight years due to impeachments, resignations, corruption allegations, and huge public protests, I was tired of voting for the bad or the worst my entire adulthood.
If you have not guessed, as the Paddington Bear says, I come from the “Darkest Peru.” So, when I became a citizen of this wonderful country, I was so excited to vote.
I remember my dad used to follow the U.S. presidential debates in the 80’s and 90’s with admiration. He used to say “Oh, the USA with its bright minds and great discussions full of ideas for the best of the society. How I wish we could have those candidates in our country!”
Well, Dad, thanks God you are in a better place now, so you won’t be disappointed that candidates these days are far from what you thought.
Of course, there is a big difference — in this great country, no one is bigger than the empire of the law. Whatever the result of the polls, the law will protect the decision of the majority.
That is what I admire about the country I now call mine as well, our democracy. But we must not take it for granted.
So many people had fought in the history of this powerful nation looking for liberty in all its meaning.
“United we stand, divided we fall.”
– Aesop, Greek storyteller
In the fable “The Lion and The Four Oxen”
“The land of the free and the home of the brave,” we sing with pride and I believe it is.
However, I don’t know what or when exactly happened that the ideas are not contrasted nor fact-checked before standing for them. That is not brave at all.
Families and long-lasting friendships can easily be torn apart because there is so much misinformation, and some people candindly believe what they find online or consume tidbits of news through social media in 15 or 30 seconds reels.
In class, we can agree on the room temperature and set an appealing number where we, all, can coexist together until the dismissal. But when the conversation is heated with political views in favor of or against any of the presidential candidates, the hot flashes on the opponent are evident, and the air becomes dense to breathe in the same space. We stare at the clock wishing the time runs faster.
Believe me, this will, too pass. Yes, we, as a country, are facing a challenging time, and probably we see the political environment at the edge of a crisis. However, we need to stay united.
It is needed a consensus, and it starts with mutual respect.
If I do not agree with your same candidate or if I do not with either candidate, I own the right to be respected same as you.
I can listen to your opinion even if I disagree, but also, don’t expect me to spend my time or effort listening to insults or offenses about your opponent.
Also, before sharing something against or in favor of your candidate on social media, make at least a little research in different reliable outlets or look for different journalists. Use your critical thinking and don’t share misinformation.
“Divide and rule,” was a military tactic used to create discord among people and “conquer” them so they could not get united against the one. Now think, “Who would benefit to see America not united?”
