America is going through extreme political tension right now with the Black Lives Matter movement and the presidential election quickly approaching.
It's virtually impossible to get on social media without seeing political posts. Some are helpful and informative, while others are filled with hatred and aim to belittle others. All sides are guilty of this, and so am I at times.
If we want change, we need productive conversations, and talking to anyone with a different view as if they were an idiot is not the way to start those conversations.
Before I post on various media platforms during this social upheaval in America, I've been trying to think through what kinds of messages send hate instead of positive change.
1. See the person before you see their political side:
What I mean by this is, instead of simply seeing a Republican/Democrat or conservative/liberal, realize that we're all humans. We all make mistakes and we all have different backgrounds, different experiences, different purposes in life, and therefore different opinions. Even if you believe the other person is dead wrong, that doesn't make them less than human.
2. Name calling does nothing for anyone:
If you start name calling, the other person will most likely dismiss everything you just said, even if it was the truth. It spreads hate, it stops the conversation, and it does not prove your point. Now matter how wrong you think the other person is, calling them derogatory terms will do absolutely nothing positive. It's better to just walk away (or turn your screen off) if you have nothing else civil to say.
3. You don't have to agree on everything to agree on something:
The two parties are so divided at this point, that they fail to see what they have in common. Even if you don't see eye to eye on every single point, actively search for similarities or common ground. If the two parties would come together on even the smallest thing, more would get done and less people would end up ruining relationships.
4. If you're a Christian, look to scripture first:
Many American Christians have made their political party their god without realizing it. Don't blindly follow right or left without knowing truth. Look to the Bible when you're debating a specific topic. There's probably a verse that relates in some way. That should sway your voting, belief system, and your actions much more than any party. It should also change your condescending tone to one of love and peace. Jesus told us to love all our neighbors, not just the ones that agree with us.
I hope these observations will spark something in you as much as they have in me. We will never reach peace or justice without respectful conversations.
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(Cover photo taken by a friend)