Religion and politics are two topics you should never talk about. I discussed religion earlier this week, so why not talk about politics? I want to briefly discuss how a gentleman talks about politics and handles political situations. I’m not discussing who I will vote for or anything like that because I don’t think that’s appropriate for me to discuss. Plus, you need to form your own opinions.
But I can say that regardless of who wins, it’ll be okay. Even though scare tactics are being implemented from both sides, it’s all nonsense that’s designed to make you fearful and vote against the other person.
The courteous approach to politics
Keep your cool. In the world of everybody getting so crazy without rage, a gentleman chills out. He does not go into the mob mentality or craziness. Unfortunately, many people get super fired up and passionate about politics and will try to debate you. As an intelligent gentleman, don’t allow emotion to rule you. Emotions can prevent you from thinking clearly and rationally. I have strong political views; however, I won’t let everybody know what they are. I keep it to myself, so I do not post about politics on social media or put political signs in my yard. I also won’t debate anybody. I take my decisions to the voting booth and make my voice heard.
Vote! It doesn’t matter if you vote for the person I’m voting for; vote for who YOU want. Then, if somebody asks you who you voted for, it’s your prerogative whether or not to tell them. It should be kept private because you may alienate 50% of the people you tell. It’s smarter for you, professionally and personally, to keep this information to yourself in the long term.
Voicing your opinion can be a mistake, especially in corporate America. Again, realize you will alienate 50% of your customers because they won’t agree with you. Michael Jordan had an amazing quote that said Democrats and Republicans both buy sneakers, which means that you need to shut your mouth as far as business is concerned. Don’t discuss politics in the work environment, even if you’re baited.
Don’t allow people to get under your skin. You shouldn’t allow people to rattle your cage about politics because that’s what some people like to do: shake the cage. They want to see what shakes out, whether you are with or against them. This is one of the problems in our society; it’s very black and white. The thinking is either you’re against or with me. But we’re all on the same spinning globe, and you have to understand that even if somebody doesn’t agree with you politically or philosophically, it doesn’t mean that they’re a bad person.
When you choose to make a stand, you will alienate 50% of the people. Even if ideologically you disagree with what they believe, that’s fine. But by you expressing it or trying to change their mind, it’s a worthless effort. You’re not going to change somebody’s mind that has an opposing view. When was the last time you had a conversation where you believed something different and said one or two statements, and then suddenly, they switched their point of view? It doesn’t happen. So debating politics on social media or putting signs in your yard will alienate people, whether it’s your neighbor, potential employee, present/potential employer, or customer(s). It’s better to shut your mouth and be a gentleman who votes.
The political climate right now is incredibly toxic and detrimental to our sanity. We need to love one another even if we disagree. It’s okay to disagree and have different political views. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your friends or family. As a gentleman, if you have people in your circle that you align politically with, you could converse with them. But as far as an outward expression of your political views, save the talking for the voting booth.
Focus on what you can control. I can control my business, what I do daily in my community, how I treat people, and how I interact with the world. I recommend you do what you can as a gentleman and let everything else go. You can support your candidate if you want to get involved, donate money, or be an activist. But keep in the back of your mind that 50% of the people believe in something different from you politically.
