Whether we’re talking about local, state, or national elections, candidates or referendums, there is little in our discourse as polarizing as our political opinions. Discussions about religion can be equally contentious. In our country, we (supposedly) have the right of free speech, to express our views and make our opinions known. Thanks to the growth and speed of social media, as well as traditional media outlets, one person’s ideas and opinions can reach around the globe in a heartbeat. The passion behind people’s beliefs in these two areas can very easily be disruptive, as they trigger an equal and frequently opposite response from those whose opinions are different from your own.
These days, there is little that divides us as rapidly as politics and religion. People become angry, defensive, combative, argumentative, and worse, over these two topics, particularly when others see things differently. Having differing opinions isn’t a problem, but the vigorous nature of trying to convince others that your opinion is the one that’s right that can cause lots of issues.
If you’ve ever gotten into a heated debate with multiple people about religion and/or politics, you may have noticed that there is often an individual who isn’t in a hurry to express their thoughts – pro or con – on the topic at hand. You might need to ask yourself if this less participative individual is remaining mum because they agree and have nothing salient to add, or they disagree and may be intimidated to express their perspectives? Or, they could also be nodding in agreement to avoid conflict, even though their own strong opposite opinions remain unverbalized. Reflecting back on the last presidential election, it’s very clear that many people told their friends and family one thing about the way they were going to vote, and acted differently when it was time to cast their ballots.
Are people silent due to fear of being ostracized for not sharing/agreeing with a “popular” thought? Are they just wanting to avoid confrontation and heated debate?
Why folks don’t express their opinions about these two subjects is less important than the recognition that keeping peaceful relations among those with whom you disagree is more important. That discretion is necessary to maintain peaceful coexistence with those whose opinions are not the same as your own.
And this peaceful coexistence is extremely important to retain in the workplace! If the company you work for has policies about avoiding political discussions in the office, they should be adhered to and respected. There’s little else one could discuss in a work environment that are as polarizing as religion and politics. They are among the biggest contributors to office disruptions and argument outbreaks.
Jane and Joe employee have the right to observe and participate in whatever religious practices they choose. They also have the right to vote for whomever they choose. If there are heated discussions about either topic that are contrary to their beliefs and interests, they shouldn’t be made to feel uncomfortable because they think differently than those around them. Beyond productivity and workflow disruptions, situations like this can also cause undo stress and emotional harm.
Maintaining the “Civil” in civil discourse is a necessity. Tempers flare, attitudes get revealed, and personalized accusatory verbiage gets dispelled rapidly and widely in the blink of an eye via electronic media. Truth, lies, and ai fabrications all contribute and influence the emotional and psychological disposition of the population. And that disposition influences individual attitudes and how they defend or promote their personal religious or political agenda.
Election cycles have become too long and filled with too many personal attacks, insults and lies tossed around between candidates and about ballot measures. Attacks on people’s religious practices have too frequently become aggressive and disruptive in and out of the workplace.
So, as we continue to get bombarded by the onslaught of TV ads about every candidate and ballot initiative between now and November (and then the next two years leading to the next presidential election), let’s try to keep a lid on our emotions and tone down the religious and political rhetoric. Your blood pressure, your coworkers, your friends and your family will all appreciate it.
Here’s a link to a little chestnut on the subject from 1976 from the late broadcaster, Scott Beach, entitled: Religion and Politics Ya-ta-ta Ya-ta-ta.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSrQyA7dQpM
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