From: Cole Bennett
Columbus
You all know what I’m talking about. It’s that moment when everyone has gathered around the table, just about to enjoy a homemade meal, when it happens. Your MAGA uncle or woke aunt just has to share where they stand on the political issue of the day. The temperature change in the whole room is palpable.
There are typically two types of reactions from your loved ones: fight or flight. You see it in someone rolling their eyes, staying quiet, squirming in their seat; or recoiling, offering a dissenting quip, and full-on argument. It’s off to the races from there (a race to the bottom, that is). Usually, after harsh words have been said, a brave soul will change the subject to something less depressing. There may be resistance, an “I’m not finished,” or “Just listen to me,” until both sides finally relent, and you are left with a feeling of resentment that lingers far after the meal has finished.
It’s an unfortunate place we find ourselves in with American politics. Our political divisions (real or perceived) are how we most commonly identify ourselves. Folks have lost connections with their family and friends simply over political disagreement. Have you ever heard phrases such as “I don’t talk to Aunt Paula anymore since she went full-on woke,” or “Uncle Jeff is hopelessly lost to the Trump cult?”
There is no shortage of issues to debate, many of which were not on my bingo card. Just this week in Washington, far-right Trump-ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation, and New York City Mayor-elect Mamdani had a warm meeting with President Trump. Here in Indiana, many eyes have been on our state legislature and its decision to redistrict our congressional maps mid-decade. Our very own state senator Greg Walker was swatted for his opposition. Locally, food banks have been begging for support after Congress’ failure to keep the government funded earlier this month.
This holiday season, take it upon yourself to disengage. Compared to our families and friends, politics does not matter. While I have previously written in favor of disagreeing better and not less, politics has a time and place. Family gatherings are not one of them.
And when the topic of politics inevitably comes up from Aunt Paula or Uncle Jeff, just listen. As is more often common in our political climate, folks want to be heard rather than persuaded. You are not going to change someone’s mind over a holiday dinner.
And if you don’t have anything nice to say, just don’t say it.
