In the Nicosia home, while sipping my soda and typing an assignment, I overheard Fox News.
My dad was watching in the next room.
I wanted to ask his opinion regarding current events, but I hesitated. In the past, when I’ve asked him his opinions, he changed the subject.
Political discussions require willing participants, a calm demeanor and an open mind. Body language is also important. Gauge your audience and read their cues. Folded arms signal resistance to an idea. The argument could be going nowhere.
As I moved into the living room, I could see my dad welcomed me. His body language was good so far.
He is quiet when he watches the news, so I began to say some things to gauge his reaction — to get a feel if we were on the same page.
He did not respond, but redirected the conversation to another interest of mine.
Redirecting the conversation is something people do if they are uncomfortable discussing a certain subject.
I took the hint and did not push the matter.
When you ask the person whose home you’re living in about their ideas, you have to respect their boundaries. Discussions about politics are important, but not at the detriment of your family relationships.
I began to wonder if my fellow students and peers discuss politics in their home.
I asked my classmate Harvey Mancilla, who is a father, if he discusses politics with his family.
“No, my kids are too young right now,” Mancilla said. “Even with my fiance, our house is always so busy we don’t spend time talking about politics. Instead, we focus on small initiatives involving the kids school or our community.”
This is a great example of how to live your politics.
Worrying about all of the world’s problems can be overwhelming.
Start within your community. Bring awareness to causes you care about and inspire others to do the same.
If you are not sure what you are passionate about, pay attention to what interests you and start there.
Information is easier to access than ever, however each generation consumes content differently.
In a 2017 article, “Baby Boomer Marketing Statistics,” bloggers Lilach Bullock and Joanna Carter wrote, “Baby boomers devote the most time to linear or broadcast TV, while clocking up over three hours per day on linear TV, Millennials are on a lower two hours.”
Millenials and Gen Z watch about the same amount of TV as their parents — about 2-3 hours per day.
However, they spend more time in their day on screen time, consuming content from social media and a wide variety of apps.
Young people now have access to a wide variety of information and are bridging the voting gap.
In a 2019 article, “Defining Generations: Where Millenials end and Generation Z begins,” Pew Research Center president Michael Dimock wrote, “Millennials are the most racially and ethnically diverse adult generation in the nation’s history. Yet the next generation – Generation Z – is even more diverse.”
Diversity is important to being open-minded because it allows for multiple points of view to be represented.
We are less likely to be judgemental when listening to a different opinion if we have a diverse background, and will therefore be better decision makers.
Encouraging our parents and peers to be open-minded is beneficial to us because it can create new ideas.
Something good or even better can come from having a discussion on a topic with someone of opposing views.
When an original idea conflicts with a second idea, the dispute is resolved by a third idea or synthesis of the two initial ideas.
Families and friends should try to listen to each other’s opinions and find common ground. Even if you cannot agree, something good can certainly still come from the conversation.
Politics can be tricky with people you live with. Try talking to your friends first.
Instead of forcing your political views on those around you, try living by example. Participate in politics rather than lecturing others about them.
Educate yourself on current events and vote on what is important to you. Show up and raise awareness by volunteering and sharing support on social media.
Friends and family members’ curiosity will be sparked when they see a photo of you on Instagram at a march or a political rally. They might be inspired to start a conversation with you in a more approachable way.
Try talking to peers or engage politics by getting active in the community if you aren’t able to discuss politics at home.
