Talking Politics Without the Screeching and the Insults

Commentary

“Never discuss politics or religion at the dinner table,” as the saying goes. Unfortunately, in today’s world, this advice seems almost impossible to follow.

In recent years, political conversations have turned hostile and unpleasant, both in public and private settings. Insults are hurled by politicians and public figures at their opponents, celebrities use profanity to criticize politicians they disagree with, and social media has become a breeding ground for negativity. Many Americans have witnessed relationships with loved ones disintegrate due to political disagreements. The once-friendly Thanksgiving dinner table has become a battleground for heated arguments.

As a result, civil discourse and meaningful debate have become rare occurrences. In his 2021 article “How to Star-Man: Arguing from Compassion,” Angel Eduardo points out the prevalence of aggression and divisiveness in our conversations and the role of social media in fueling polarization. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity in those we disagree with, even if their views are contrary to our own.

Eduardo suggests that the key to productive discourse lies in treating others as flawed human beings, despite their differing opinions. While this approach may be challenging and may not always be reciprocated, it is a crucial starting point.

Building on this foundation, there are several strategies that can help prevent discussions from escalating into conflicts. Here are a few of them:

Define Your Terms

Establishing a common understanding of key concepts is essential for meaningful dialogue. Without a shared definition of terms like inflation or social justice, debates quickly lose their purpose. Clarifying the meanings of words and concepts can prevent misunderstandings and wasted effort.

Listen

Active listening is a vital skill in any discussion. Instead of planning your response while the other person speaks, focus on understanding their perspective. By actively listening, you can identify flaws in their arguments and gain valuable insights.

Ask Questions

As Os Guinness advised, asking questions can be a powerful tool in debates. By posing thoughtful inquiries rather than launching attacks, you can encourage the other party to defend their views and engage in a constructive exchange.

Become Mr. Spock

Embracing logic and reason, like the character Mr. Spock from “Star Trek,” is crucial in debates. By setting aside emotions and sticking to facts, you can maintain a rational and composed demeanor.

Stand Down

If a discussion becomes heated and unproductive, it’s important to know when to disengage. Preserving relationships is paramount, and sometimes walking away is the best course of action. Remember, the goal of discourse is not to defeat your opponent but to persuade others to your viewpoint.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.