As the country becomes more divided, it’s less likely that people will discuss
politics with their friends and family out of fear that someone may become
upset.
Could this be causing the exact problem we are trying to avoid? Could not talking
about it be even more harmful?
Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, it wasn’t uncommon to have political discussions at
family gatherings or in an open forum at school.
In today’s increasingly wretched society, people are afraid to discuss their own
thoughts and theories with others out of fear that they will be labeled as
bigots or racists, or perhaps even have their careers ruined by erroneous
accusations.
What is worse than someone who is afraid to give their opinion are those who have no
opinion at all and lack the knowledge and awareness to have an enlightening
exchange.
In contemporary times, it’s easier for those who disagree or have a different view
to denigrate others and characterize them as unconventional thinkers who are
harming humanity.
The very concept of America was based on liberty, and all citizens are equipped
with freedom of expression, which is being suppressed more and more. The right
to a free press is no longer appreciated or revered, and the majority of the
media choose to control the narrative for one side when that was never its
purpose.
Aiding in the problem are many of our schools, which are not teaching children to be
accepting of all viewpoints or even teaching multiple views. Healthy
deliberation and debate are the principal requirements for contributing to the
republic. Those practical measures have been replaced by absolutism and a
scarcity of logic. The indoctrination of America’s youth from elementary school
through college is something that has poisoned the minds of the electorate
quite substantially in the past few decades.
The fact of the matter is that avoiding political discussions makes you complicit
in eluding life….It’s impossible not to be affected by at least something on
the political spectrum. Ironically, the less than 5% who are so wealthy and
connected that politics and elections do not affect them are some of the
loudest voices and self-appointed representatives of the oppressed.
It’s time that we face the stark reality that if we continue to not discuss or
educate ourselves and others about how important politics are, the country will
continue in a state of advanced decay. Additionally, God and religion are not
as prevalent in our nation and home’s in present times, aiding in a
civilization of ill-repute.
So whether it is basic politics, religion, COVID vaccines, guns, immigration,
abortion, or extraterrestrials, all those born or naturalized legally in this
once great nation should educate themselves enough to have a true opinion… If
we continue to demean critical thinking, we run the risk of having the
government and the media make all the decisions for us. Just ask China, Russia,
North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and most of the Middle East, etc.
In 1775, colonials led by South Carolina’s Christopher Gadsden developed the
unifying rallying cry “Don’t Tread on Me,” which warned the British that the
colonists would resist any attempt to take away their rights and freedoms….Not
since the American Revolution has this mindset ever been more important!
“If we all think alike, no one is thinking.” (Benjamin Franklin)