I am not normally one to discuss politics, there you caught me. Obviously it is important and I try to pay attention as much as I can, but especially within the last four years I have found that it can be extremely challenging to have well rounded opinions.
With the rise of social media, fake news and correct news being replaced with what aligns with that person’s individual view point on their Facebook page, there has been such an increase in people shouting (online and off) at the other side of the political spectrum saying “You Are Wrong”! It has made it hard to be impartial and make well educated decisions.
Donald Trump’s presidency has driven a massive wrench between people even here in Canada, and rightfully so, with his ludicrous allegations, hypocritical actions, arrogance and medieval views on human rights. But it has created such a divide that it is frowned upon for people to hear out both sides. They are either Republicans or Democrats (and to a lesser extent for us Canadians Conservatives or Liberals) no inbetween.
So on the eve of the American presidential election, where bets are being placed, riots are being anticipated and people are just extremely fearful for their lives. I think it is essential that we stress the importance of kindness to others. That might make me sound unrealistic or a bit of a dreamer, but the amount of stress that everyone is already under, with the ongoing pandemic, the fear of losing democracy and so on, being rude about someone else’s viewpoint is going to have even more negative effects.
Sure you can educate those people about why you think they should change their view points, retweet and share articles that could help others make well educated decisions but don’t be rude about it online or offline.
This all being said it is an important election, it is going to challenge not just the United States, or even Canada but the world at large, but being kind and considerate of others and their feelings is how we are going to get through it no matter who wins this election.