Do people really enjoy talking politics?
Opinion
President Joe Biden’s presidency is ending, which means it is time for the U.S. to elect a new president. This is a volatile political time within the American family because presidential elections bring out a variety people and their differing views.
Some people like to talk your ears off about every political topic. Some like to literally argue and fight. And some people, like me, do not like talking about politics. Politics can be a touchy subject.
According to the Pew Research Center, “Nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) say they always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics, while 55% feel angry.
Majorities of Democrats (52%), Independents (59%) and Republicans (77%) all agree they have political views they are afraid to share.”
Pew also noted, “… nearly two-thirds of Latino Americans (65%), Asian Americans (65%), white Americans (64%), as well as nearly half (49%) of African Americans, feel uneasy sharing their views. Similarly, both men (65%) and women (59%) self-censor.”
During a recent gathering in Auburn, college students who socially identify as a person of color and/or queer expressed they only feel safe talking about political issues when they are assured they are in a safe space.
I conducted an informal survey of 348 multicultural people and members of LGBTQ+ communities, both registered and unregistered voters from 18 to 60 years of age in East Alabama. Over 300 people said they are voting in the 2024 presidential election. Twenty-one people said no, and two did not select yes or no.
In response to the people that picked “no,” a follow up was asked to determine what main factor was keeping them from voting.
The answers ranged from not being a U.S. citizen, underaged or feeling neither candidate is deserving of their vote, while some respondents did give a reason why. The next question asked which topic is the most difficult to discuss: sexuality, immigration, abortions, climate change or inflation. There was also a prompt labeled “other.”
Over 100 people think immigration and sexuality are hard topics to discuss, while 174 people said abortion, 56 people listed climate change and 80 said inflation was a controversial topic. Eight people said no topic was too difficult to discuss.
I asked survey participants on a scale of one to five how comfortable they are when people talk during family dinner or in a public setting about political topics such as mental health, women’s rights, gun laws and taxes. My numerical ratings ranged from one being very uncomfortable to five being very comfortable.
Twenty-nine people checked one, meaning they were very uncomfortable. Thirty-six people checked two for somewhat uncomfortable. Ninety-seven checked four for comfortable. And eighty-five people checked five, meaning they were very comfortable with political discussions.
I am writing this editorial because as a Gen Z-er and while conducting my survey during this election season, I have witnessed and heard a cacophony of vitriol of othering, sexism, racism, classism and hatred. I know this is why some people do not like politics.
Don’t let people ridicule you for your beliefs. Be prepared to face backlash or receive some criticism for your views. Stand up and be bold in what you believe in.
Lastly, be open minded and allow everyone to espouse their opinions and don’t publicly humiliate them.
By Noah May - Nov. 3, 2024