This post isn’t political – it’s a practical observation. As the days, months and weeks of this election cycle have worn on, I’ve found myself worn out. I don’t want to turn on the TV, I don’t want to read the news, and I certainly don’t want to look at my social media feed.
Every day, not only are the candidates and media pundits calling each other names, but even my friends, neighbors, and colleagues have resorted to name calling as well. Why is it, in a society that has taken a stand against bullying and name calling in general, that it is willing to partake in this behavior in politics? And I’ll stop you now – don’t say it’s only because of so and so. Both sides need to own responsibility. In fact in 2014 research, Pew Research tracked political negativity and found both sides used nearly equal amounts of negative language.
But of course, this election cycle has been one of epic proportions. We’ve become depolorables, libatards, shills, elitists, hacks, hypocrites and nutjobs. The parties and media are using even more ugly language like liar, crook, bigot, fascist, racist and more. I had a friend tell me on the phone the other day, “I didn’t know I was a racist until I woke up and heard the news today.” For the record, he is anything but racist, but he had been lumped into a basket of name calling.
The funny thing about these baskets on both sides of the table…most people don’t want to be in either. This has become an election where many people are trying to pick what they believe to be the lesser of two evils, but don’t like either choice. And because both candidates are highly polarizing, those on the opposite sides of the table immediately feel the need to attack and/or defend the candidate and issues of their choosing.
But what I want everyone to remember is come November 8th and again January 20th, whoever wins and whatever happens, these unkind politicians lives will remain the same. They will return to their previous worlds that are not the same as yours or mine. They will go back to their businesses or foundations, to their comfortable homes and anything but modest lifestyles and their unkind words will be forgotten. They are not like you and me. They don’t drive their kids to school and bring snacks to soccer practice. They do not contribute to their church bake sale and drop off a casserole for a neighbor going through a rough time. Their unkind words will not impact how they live – yours will.
Your unkind words will be remembered. The unkind words you used to describe your friends, your neighbors, or your kids friends parents are a choice. Whether you called someone out by name, or in a generic sense you were judging them directly or indirectly. People don’t forget hurtful things. It’s why we have been taught for generations, “if you don’t have something kind to say, don’t say anything at all.” You would never call someone ugly or fat, you’d be horrified at the idea. Yes, many people don’t think twice about calling out others for their political beliefs or values.
Contrary to modern belief, politics does not create community. People create community, we create community. Politics and elected politicians do not organize the benefit for the family whose child is suffering from cancer. Politics and elected politicians do not see to the thousands of quilts that are handmade and distributed by church quilting groups around the country to people in need. Politics and politicians do not collect jackets or Christmas gifts or school supplies for families struggling to make ends meet – communities do – people do.
If we as people (humankind – kindness is in the name) resort to judgement and name calling, it draws a line in the sand, a place we struggle to come back from. And if we can’t come back, if we can’t come together, we can’t form community and we can’t help each other.
There has always been a difference of opinions in politics. Differences are what help us find better solutions and create progress. Remember that your beliefs are not the only beliefs and your values are not the only values. Together, as a community we can find compromise for the greater good. Regardless of your political choice remember that we all want a similar outcome; a better life. Let’s remember that a better life starts with being a better person.
Do not let this unkind brand of politics become an unkind way of life. Let your choices and words be about goodness. I challenge you all to refrain from the negative name calling – not just for the next 6 weeks, but for the days, weeks, months and years to come. Your actions set the tone for the person you are and the world you want to create.
