People generally say that there are two topics to avoid in polite conversation -- politics and religion. While that mentality does little to foster discussion between opposing viewpoints, it's easy to see why avoiding those topics altogether is considered a good idea.
After the election south of the border on Nov. 8 the usual “sky is falling” crowd were out in spades, quick to point out how this marked the beginning of the end of civilized society as we know it. But that's nothing new. There's always a fair amount of dissent and hyperbole after an election or the passing of controversial legislation. However, lately the discussions and general interactions between people with opposing political ideologies have been – for lack of a better word – toxic.
In the past month I've witnessed the spectacle online with popcorn in hand, marvelling at how civility seems to be foregone completely when met with a political opponent. I've watched in disbelief as old friends and family members fought like cats and dogs before severing ties altogether.
It seems like merely supporting a politician – especially Donald Trump, regardless of one's reason for doing so – is enough to be written off entirely and often abused by supporters on the other side of the debate. It's very disheartening to see people content to live in an echo chamber of their own ideas where other opinions and discussion are not permitted.
Another example of political controversy stirring up trouble in interpersonal relationships is Alberta MLA Sandra Jansen's floor crossing to join the NDP in mid-November. Politicians crossing the floor is a hot-button issue at the best of times, but people seem particularly fervent in their opinion about it this time around.
Does calling people names online, whether you know them personally or not, simply because they have a different political opinion from you really accomplish anything? You are not going to successfully coax someone into your school of thought with ad hominem attacks and accusations of bigotry or racism. You are not going to sway an opinion by implying your opponent is a terrible person for holding those opinions in the first place.
There is a quote by Jonathan Swift that “you cannot reason someone out of something he or she was not reasoned into,” -- meaning people hold beliefs for a multitude of reasons, some of which may be a mystery to an outside observer.
You may never sway them, and that's OK. But shutting down discussion altogether just causes the rifts between opposing beliefs to widen further. And that folks, is a detriment to everyone.
Darlana Robertson is a twentysomething writer from Calgary and a former Central Alberta resident.
