Fall and Politics

This is the time of year we start to think about fall festivals and Halloween decorations and even the upcoming holiday season.  We can see the days getting shorter and we want to make the most of what’s left of the longer and sunny days.   However, this year we are being overwhelmed with politics.  We hear about it on the news constantly, we see yard signs, and we cannot watch television or listen to the radio without being subject to political advertisements.  Voting is important and politics do matter but navigating the opinions of our coworkers, friends, and family can sometimes lead to avoidable conflicts.

Understanding and Tolerance

We are a society of hundreds of millions of people and naturally not everyone will agree.  People think they know what is best and can often become locked in a mindset.  There is nothing wrong with this and even disagreeing about an issue, however, if is not alright to demine or hate people because of their views.  You can be a liberal leftist or a deep-rooted conservative, that choice is yours.  It is even alright to discuss your position and even try to convince people that you are supporting the right candidates.  You can put up yard signs, you can volunteer, you can even make financial donations.  Doing all these things is personal and a choice everyone can make for themselves.  However, discussion can quickly turn into an argument, an argument can turn into a grudge, and a grudge can cause relationships of all types to faulter.  We need to know when to move on and respectfully disagree with someone.  At the end of the day, you have a right to your own opinion, and they have a right to theirs.  It is important to know and to learn when to avoid certain topics.

Politics and the Workplace

Being passionate about an issue is important, although, it can be even more important to know when a topic of conversation is inappropriate.  This is why it is important to leave politics out of the workplace.  Sure, some small issues might come up from time to time, but we cannot allow these personal beliefs to interfere with professionalism.  Many of us know the views of our close colleagues and sometimes we even discuss them, but we must know when to drop an issue.  If you get involved in a politically charged conversation know when to step away or end it.  Do not be scared to tell someone you do not want to discuss who you are voting for and your position on a ballet initiative.  That is your personal choice, and any quality coworker should be able to respect your opinion, especially when they disagree. 

Hate is Never the Answer

Over the last few years politics have become more divided and unfortunately some extreme people have used this division to sow hate and bias.  In the face of this growing issue, we must remember that we are stronger together than we are apart.  America has already had one civil war, and it is still one of the bloodiest conflicts in our history.  We must learn from the past and not allow violence to repeat itself.  We must be willing to compromise and even admit when we are in the minority.  If we vote out of our conscious and beliefs and we lose we must accept the result and pick the next battle.   There is always the next election meaning there is always another time to promote your cause in a respectful and appropriate way. 

Vote

The most important thing we can do during a politically charged fall time is vote.  Casting a ballot is how we speak our mind.  In elections our issues and candidates sometimes win, and they sometimes lose.  If you do not vote you give up your voice.  Elections are affected by voter turnout.  At the end of the election cycle, it does not matter what is said, what matters is how many votes were cast and what or whom they were cast for.     Remember to confirm that you are registered and show up on election day.   It is the right of every American citizen, and it is up to us to embrace that right.

Elections get annoying and tiring quickly. We are tired of the constant adds, the constant news, and the constant debate.  However, these annoyances are temporary.  We must remember to be professional, understanding, and tolerant of others with differing opinions.  We need to not let the issues divide us and we must not let it interfere with personal and professional relationships.  Election day is right around the corner and soon the results will come out and we will have to move forward whether we agree or disagree.  Do not let politics ruin the bonds you have forged with the people around you.