This Q&A provides strategies for discussing political issues with friends and family while minimizing tension. By keeping a few key points in mind, these conversations can remain productive and mutual understanding may also be enhanced.
Question: Many people have people in their lives who they feel close to, but who have different viewpoints when it comes to politics. How can you engage in political discussions with people who have different viewpoints with as little strain on your relationships as possible?
Amy Payson: First and foremost, you need to be prepared and take some time to reflect before you start a conversation. Recognize that relationships matter. Recognize that the people you are interacting with are human beings just like us and deserve respect. Especially when talking to friends and family, it’s important to prioritize maintaining the relationship after the conversation.
As you reflect, recognize that everyone arrives at their political positions and viewpoints based on their experiences, knowledge, upbringing, upbringing, religion, and influences from other social groups. All these factors influence political choices and decisions. Assessing someone’s political positions is often not about assessing right or wrong, but about understanding that there are different lenses through which we see and experience the world. .
When you look back at your own experiences and how they influenced your beliefs, you realize that each person may have had foundational experiences that led them to that belief. Helpful. Think back to the problem that first interested you. What made you start to care about this? Why is this an issue you want to discuss with others? Once you begin to identify them within yourself, the person you are talking to will also have an understanding of how and why they came to their current beliefs. You will be able to understand things. Ask them the same question.
When you’re ready to engage, try to be open-ended in your first approach. Rather than asking you to pick an issue and defend it, ask questions like: What experience did you have that made you care about this?”
Remember that politics is an expression of identity and is often a core part of a person’s identity. Therefore, when we talk about politics, we are expressing our beliefs, values, and what is important to us. Think of these discussions as a way to get to know the person first. You can then further address any specific policies that may arise in the discussion.
Also, while we often focus on national issues, local issues may be more important to the people you are working with. Discussing local issues can be less controversial and have a greater impact on daily life than larger issues like a presidential election. Perhaps it will be easier to bridge the gap.
Question: What advice do you have for people who feel pressured to engage in political conversations but feel emotionally drained?
Amy Payson: A lot of times, when we think about political discussions, it’s not the actual conversations we have with friends and family. It’s something we often see on social media and in news headlines. I see people sharing memes and talking about it. Social media tends to be emotional and impulsive. By sharing things we would never say in person and encouraging emotions, social media keeps us engaged and often amplifies negative emotions. We tend to share content that condemns, belittles, or makes us feel superior. When it comes to politics, it’s best to stay away from social media.
If someone you know starts engaging with you through social media, instead of continuing the conversation there, try meeting them in person over coffee or a meal together. When meeting face-to-face, people tend to try to understand the other person’s point of view rather than seeking a quick response. If a stranger is trying to engage with you on social media, it’s often best not to engage. Spend your energy in social spaces where people want to discuss rather than attack or react.
When interacting with others, be clear about the purpose and intent of the conversation. Instead of trying to convince or convert someone, think about trying to get to know the person you care about more.
You want to know and share why each other believes what you do. Discuss the “why” and share your beliefs and fears about the issue. Discuss the potential downsides of what you believe and who might be negatively affected by the issue. Doing so is a way to deepen relationships, deepen your understanding of issues, and reflect on your beliefs.
Listening more than listening is a skill we all need to work on more. Take the time to listen to the other person and make sure you understand.
Paraphrasing is another skill that helps you have conversations that help you understand each other better, rather than trying to convince each other of something. Practice paraphrasing. Say something like, “I see you support XYZ for these reasons. Are you sure?”
Being clear about your intentions in a discussion, creating ground rules, and thinking critically about the issue and your beliefs will reduce the emotional drain that these topics can cause and make the conversation more productive. It will help you.
Question: How can I ensure that conversations about politics are conducted mindfully?
Amy Payson: Make sure it’s also a good time to have a conversation. If someone you care about is reposting hurtful or divisive content on social media, they may not be that confused. If you want to engage with them, try to do it when you are not in a very emotional state yourself and ask if they are ready to discuss the issue. If it gets too hot, it’s okay to turn it off.
Also, choose your words carefully. The words we use can de-escalate things or create a more combative atmosphere.
In the communication research literature, we talk about supportive and defensive communication. Often when we try to defend our side, we speak in evaluative terms, such as: you are wrong. That’s a terrible idea. ” or, speaking with restraint, “I’m right. I’m right.” You should think like me, because that’s the best way. ” These types of word choices put the other person in a defensive position, and often, instead of listening, the other person begins to defend their position and assert superiority in their position. Masu. This type of conversation is rarely productive. Instead of being evaluative, try to be more descriptive. “I read about this issue, so I agree.” I have a question about this, and here’s what I’d like to ask you: ” Being descriptive helps shift the tone toward understanding rather than defending.
So when approaching a political conversation, consider your own “why” first. Evaluate the opposite side and negative aspects of your position. Ask if the person would be open to talking to you directly. Be mindful of your word choice and try to listen and paraphrase to improve your understanding. Try to focus on local issues and avoid social media.
About Amy Payson
Amy Payson (PhD, University of Minnesota) is an associate professor of communication studies in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in rhetoric. Professor Payson has been with the University since 2010 and has demonstrated inclusive and participatory leadership in a variety of university roles, most recently serving as chair of the Faculty Diversity Committee and numerous faculty committees. I am. She teaches a variety of courses (undergraduate and graduate) and regularly interacts with interdisciplinary collaborators as a member of research and graduate student committees.
Professor Payson’s research and teaching focus on various aspects of democracy in the United States, particularly how to promote and support a democratic culture. She has researched activist advocacy strategies, the intersection of the First Amendment and protest, and public deliberation of legislation. She is interested in how the public participates, or is restrained, from participating in democratic governance, and through organizing Wolfpack Community Howl deliberative discussions, she explores society’s Students to reflect on and understand how to participate across differences to solve society’s “wicked problems”; We are committed to developing the skills of event. She is currently conducting research to understand how negative political rhetoric and incivility by elected officials undermines the idea of political participation through notions of dignity.
