This update is dedicated to those who are experiencing the same conflict as I am. This is probably the majority of you. Why don't I just dedicate it to everyone? Wouldn't everyone include me? I can't dedicate something to myself. It's like an author trying to get even more credit for his book by having his name appear in it more often. It's just not right.
So anyways...
People typically encounter a close friend of theirs who happens to be supportive of the political party they personally oppose. Every single one of us has our own level of political consciousness and we all tend to differ. We then find ourselves in conflict. Do we try to talk to them about politics? Should I even bring it up? If I feel my political views have the merits to change the world, how could I not? Typically we find ourselves eventually talking about politics with our close friends.
When I refer to a friend who supports a different political cause, I am referring to a friend who can at the minimum, justify their views with some kind of argument. Some one who has a slight amount of passion. Those who do not have a formed opinion tend to listen.
Humans typically have a problem when it comes to admitting mistakes. Humans are naturally defensive of their views. I am, are you? But how can we level off our own bias? Why even listen to the opposition if it won't affect your views?
This is where I have changed in the past 4 years. I used to be under a completely different political persuasion. And I used to think I was always right, no matter what anyone else said. I couldn't even fathom the possibility that I was wrong. And 4 years ago, if I had seen who I am now, I would be absolutely shocked. Something clicked these past four years. A gradual changed occurred, and I have become dramatically different. I attribute it to the experiences that were drilled into my memory. The people I had talked to, the things I had seen, and the words I had read. I was in need of views I could justify, and I now completely accept the fact that I have changed.
I won't hide it. I can't hide it. You are who you were, and you were who you are. Admitting that you once supported a political philosophy that was against your own interests is a very hard thing to do (although my interests changed as well).
I changed from believing what my parents had influenced to believe, into someone who formed his own opinion. I realized I was free. Freedom hit me with excitement, and I no longer had to worry. But along with freedom came upon me, was the importance of my past. We cannot understand how are political thoughts are derived unless we look at where we have come from.
I have changed into someone who will listen to all. No matter how radically against my views you are, no matter how supportive, I enjoy listening to you. I choose listening because it gives me the power to adapt my current views to the logic exchanged. The power to change my opinion or the power to strengthen it. I believe this is how one can be open minded. And I will do my best to remain unchanged in that mindset.
I have gone completely astray as to what this update was originally about, but I think it is a very essential part of my question.
Is there a point in talking to certain people about politics? And most specifically, your friends who are passionate for the cause that opposes yours. We have to wonder whether or not our friendship could somehow be damaged if politics is thrown into the mix.
My grandmother told me that "Friends and relatives (who don't agree) should not talk about politics and religion" And I have come to understand why she said it. Is it worth it to damage your friendship over politics? If indeed you are as successful as too convincing ONE person to vote for your cause, would if be worth it if your friendship was tarnished. And that would be the rarest of cases. Since humans are typically defensive of their own views, they would most likely stand for their own views. It would result in no major reasoning change and possible damage to your friendship with no gain. It is that second example that I don't believe is necessarily worth it.
This does not mean I am against the expression of political views. Minor political discussions can certainly be healthy. But radical discussions of your true and virtuous beliefs can be harmful. The phrase “I agree to disagree" can be useful among close friends. Don't be afraid to use it.
It could also certainly be possible that your friends are the ones who initiate the political discussions. Maybe discuss politics with them in a slight and gentle manor, but do realize that your friendship is important. If they suggest something absolutely radical, try to politely correct them so it they do no view it as an attack. Obvious attacks are met with a defensive mind. Tell them what you believe and why you believe it, but don't destroy their belief.
And I shall end this update with a question I would like you to ponder.
Suppose you are walking down the street with an extremely close and important friend of yours. You are then confronted by a man handing out flyers and shouting statements for the political cause you oppose. These are radical statements that are very controversial. Your friend then tells you how much he supports the random man on the street. A political wave flows down your body due to the radical statements against the cause you believe in. You have the urge to debate. And let’s just say it's almost as if your mind is forcing you to debate due to the attack against your beliefs.
Do you....
A. Confront your friend for supporting the man by having a debate with him/her.
B. Tell your friend that you "agree to disagree." And later go back to debate with the man.
C. Confront your friend and the man head on, debating with both of them.
D. Simply ignore it all.
E. Other(be creative!)
If I experienced this situation I just created, I would choose B. Due to the amazing value of the friendship, and my enjoyment of a good old debate. It is important for friends to recognize each others beliefs, as well as not to criticize each other for them.
