Partisan politics have always been more fueled by passion than by reason.
This is because political divisions rely upon reducing our options to binary thinking that frame our choices as some version of us versus them.
One reason this works so well to shepherd us into one camp or another is the false sense of righteousness that comes from viewing ourselves as better than our perceived opponents.
Rarely are we encouraged to consider whether we are part of the problem or in need of a personal course correction.
This is a surprisingly difficult thing to do because we all tend to see ourselves as the heroes of our life story and it’s human nature to want to assign blame to others for our frustration.
There’s a simple test to help us evaluate whether we’re adding to the growing division or helping to heal it.
El Gato Malo suggests that we ask ourselves a straightforward question that can quickly show us where we stand:
“Are you capable of remaining friends with someone with whom you have a significant (or any) political or social disagreement?”
If our answer is “yes” we’re likely more reasonable and capable of self-analysis than not.
However, if the answer is “no” and we find ourselves cutting ties and flying into a rage because someone holds a different opinion, we’re likely part of the problem.
Authentic problem-solvers understand that living and conducting ourself as a good person brings lasting results that tearing down others cannot.
You may also enjoy Latter-day Voices, another quality publication in the Fifty-two Seven Alliance family.
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