How the Political Debate in America Needs to Change
The divide in today’s political arena is ever-widening, and there’s no viable solution in sight. Modern-day political discourse plays out more like a boxing match than it does a constructive discussion. Instead of contesting someone’s ideas or opinions, people have been reduced to attacking others’ beliefs and hurling insults. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, this childlike behavior needs to stop and be rectified, especially on Capitol Hill and in the Oval Office.
Over the past few election cycles, the rhetoric has ramped up and the disparity between one mindset and the next could not be further apart. What used to be a left, right and middle forum has transformed into far-right and far-left extremes. This has caused a rift which has all but shut the door on finding common ground, especially amongst those in Congress.
A society cannot function properly unless its population works together and votes for people who support our beliefs as a whole. However, when voters resort to ad hominem attacks and seek out politicians who are divisive, the hope for compromise fades. This dynamic has led to a back-and-forth between the parties that changes policies drastically, one way or the other, each time control changes hands.
So what can be done?
The most crucial change that must happen in order for the country to get back to a working bipartisanship relationship is doing away with personal attacks and actually hearing the other side out. Name-calling and other hostile behaviors only hardens hearts, and they, in turn, make finding common ground even harder. If people engage in serious, productive debates or discussions, then an issue can actually be addressed and the potential for a consensus becomes possible.
Another important habit every voter needs to develop is critical thinking. Too many times people take what politicians or other public figures say at face value and, as long as it sounds good, don’t think twice about the validity of the information presented. This is dangerous since these same politicians use hyperbole and half-truths to push their agenda. To combat such rhetoric, it is imperative to check sources and make an educated, informed decision before buying into what leaders are trying to sell.
The final and perhaps most important tactic that voters should employ is considering the perspective of the person they are at odds with. In the current political climate this seems like a tall order, but treating another human being as just that, a human being, will make for a healthy and productive discussion which produces more inclusive representation by local and federal leaders.
Obviously, the differences in opinions and beliefs will naturally cause rifts and lead to heated dialogue, but the exchanges should be focused and shy away from personal attacks. If we as a nation want meaningful change that truly reflects our collective views, then we need to act in a more civil manner. You cannot hear someone out when you are not listening.
Scott Froehlich is a junior who is studying print journalism. He moved to Logan with his wife and son from Price, Utah, where they attended school at Utah State University Eastern. His passions include hockey and politics, both of which are contact sports.