Over the past month, political tensions concerning the 2024 Presidential Election have formed intense divides throughout our nation and even between personal relationships. Whether Democrat, Independent, Republican, or even apolitical,  all areas of the political spectrum have started to  become unhealthily emotionally involved with politics, and have let politics influence their own friendships and relationships with others.

 This is due to a multitude of reasons, two of the most influential being: the unfair stereotypes of political parties which seem to only display the most contentious features of their beliefs and misinformation which has prompted irrational behavior, anger, and disrespect to those who hold differing beliefs from oneself. 

It seems as a society we have strayed away from the basic principle of treating everyone with respect despite their beliefs, background, race, gender, sexuality, or religion. This change has become extremely apparent in recent years as both parties have grown to become almost completely intolerant of one another. The public divide and disrespect seen between politicians on television has encouraged citizens to behave the same way towards one another, dragging our society down. 

At the end of the day, the recent results of our election will not change. So, should we let politics be a determining factor of one’s morality and character? Should we let political beliefs decide who to be respectful to? Is it justified to end relationships over politics? These are the questions we must ask ourselves moving forward.  

It is clear that our society will only crumble if we remain as divided as we currently are, so it is essential for everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to carry themselves with kindness and the utmost respect for the people around them. Everyone is entitled to their own political beliefs, and this unalienable right is what makes our country so incredibly diverse and beautiful. 

However, at the same time, one should not be penalized for having a certain belief because one half of society believes it to be “wrong.” It is easy to become caught up in the mob-mentality of a group you associate with, and it is becoming even easier to believe whatever you hear online without doing your own independent research and thinking. 

We must remain constantly curious, and should not jump to conclusions about another purely based on their political beliefs. It may seem like creating such substantial changes in our nation is out of the hands of young-adults, however, it truly starts with making changes in your own community, something we are all capable of. This could be as simple as opening up the conversation to peacefully discussing politics while having genuine and respectful intentions behind the questions you ask, and taking the answers in with thoughtful consideration.

Before speaking on politics, think about whether or not the information you are saying is true and accurate.  It is up to us to set precedent for how the future of politics will play out.