Mature political discussions needed

Over the past several years, political talk has become extremely heated. There was a time when polite people weren't supposed to discuss in social settings, politics and religion, but today, that seems a tad too strict. In almost every discussions on media now a days, discussions/arguments change pace to " Head I win and Tail you lose" approach among the delegates from different political circuits with the host playing role of filling the gaps.         

We live in an age in which it's very difficult to avoid conversations about politics, because nearly everything has become political. A difference in politics can cause arguments that ends friendships, marriages, even business relationships. I'm not so naive as to believe that conversations can solve the world's problems, but I can say with confidence that not having those conversations will make those problems significantly worse. So, we must begin to talk and have conversations to eventually reach a compromise.  

Following are some strategies on how to talk about politics without getting into fight.

1. Don't try to educate anyone - Don't start a conversation intending to prove someone is wrong or to change their mind. If that's your goal, you will be disappointed and quite possible you'll annoy the person you're speaking to. 

2. Don't prejudge - If someone likes a candidate you hate, it doesn't mean you should discount everything they say or that you won't find common ground. Listen to the people with an open mind. Everybody believes they are the good guy. The purpose of listening is to understand and not to endorse.

3. Show respect - Respect is more important than tolerance. Showing respect means you accept the other person has made choices for what they think are good reasons and you grant them the right to express their opinions. To respect other person is to refrain from calling them names, discounting their ideas or using frequent interruptions to talk over them or perplex them. Practice seeing people with whom you disagree as people who are trying to get positive result. 

4. Stick it out - When conservation becomes difficult or awkward, work through it. Don't crack a joke or change the subject, just walk through the awkwardness. Keep going through the fog, because he light is bright on he other side. The most important conversations are those that people are most passionate about, most emotional about. They are messy, frustrating and even uncomfortable, but they are also often worth it. You will probably not reach an agreement in a discussion about politics. 

5. Give praise - When other person makes a good point, even if you don't agree with the general concept, give credit by saying something like, "I can see your point" or "Now that you put it that way, it makes sense." Saying this shows that you are listening, and you respect the other person's opinions even if you don't agree. 

Discourses and critical thinking are essential tools when it comes to securing progress in a democratic society. But in the end,unity and engaged participation are what it make it happen.     

There is joy in exchange of ideas, even those that are in opposition. There is enlightenment in simply understanding another's perspective. So, prepare yourself to hear things that we don't like. Take pleasure in hearing from someone whose ideas are at odds with our own, knowing that new perspectives makes us stronger and wiser. 


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