My dad loved politics. He loved to debate with his friends about whatever the hot button issue of the day was. For him, it was part intellectual stimulation and part good fun.
In that vein, my dad also enjoyed pranking his friends who held different political perspectives. One time, he constructed a giant sign promoting his own viewpoint and, in the middle of the night, planted it in his friend’s front yard. Another time, he told a candidate for local office that one of his friends was a major supporter and should definitely be contacted about a big donation—even though that friend had already told my dad they were voting for someone else.
My childhood takeaway was simple: friends could hold different political perspectives, debate them in a civil manner, even laugh about it—and their relationship was never harmed. If anything, it was strengthened.
So when did folks with different political persuasions become literal enemies?
When did we move from debating the issue to demonizing the person?
When did we cross the line from disagreement to disdain—from being neighbors who vote differently to enemies who can’t even sit at the same table?
I often think about my dad’s approach to politics. He believed that ideas were worth debating, but people were always worth respecting. Somewhere along the way, we stopped arguing about issues and started assaulting identities—and now, sadly, things have gone even further.
“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are anger and courage—anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.” — Augustine
We have a choice. We have agency. We can feed into the ever-escalating political rhetoric. We can withdraw completely from the conversation. Or—we can engage differently, respectfully.
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” These are the words of Martin Luther King, whose vision of the Beloved Community was one where disputes would be resolved by peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation of adversaries. Love and trust would triumph over fear and hatred.
We do have a choice. We do have agency.
“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” — Ephesians 4:29
BP