Political debates have become a Thanksgiving tradition since President-elect Donald Trump’s election in 2016, but have been held before that, during the Civil War, in the 1960s, and almost every election year. It requires all adults to sit down at the dinner table filled with intense political beliefs, and everyone screams before the stuffing comes out of the oven. Many people dislike this practice and cite dishes being thrown and relationships broken as evidence of its harm.
I love political discussions. It’s my favorite part of Thanksgiving. If they were removed I would stop showing up. Why do I value this tradition so much? Is it because it promotes discussion among citizens? Adults have been known to jump over tables. Is it because it provides valuable political insight? The most cited source of information is Facebook.
Is it because it helps Americans understand each other? It only further confirms the other person’s stupidity. Is it because it reminds us that there is something bigger than politics? The number of people leaving mid-meal seems to tell us that nothing is bigger than politics. Perhaps because these difficult discussions are beneficial to our country? Perhaps nothing could be worse for our country.
I love political debate. Because if you observe it with a casual attitude, it becomes a wonderful show. Thanksgiving dinner used to be very boring. I shudder to think of the monotony of pre-Trump dining. “How was work?” someone would ask. “Okay,” another person would reply.
“This turkey is amazing,” someone says every few minutes. Even when politics is discussed, whether it’s the recent fluctuations in oil prices or the latest tax cuts proposed by House Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, it’s a boring topic that those of us under 50 don’t instinctively care about. It was a great topic.
But what a vibrant scene we now have! You don’t need any knowledge of politics to understand or participate in today’s political debates. They start out serious, but the situation soon degenerates into a cacophony of name-calling – “fascist,” “radical left,” “far-right extremist,” “communist,” “Trumper,” “brainwashed sheep.” ”, or any adjective you deem appropriate.
Hands were thrown into the air. A fist slammed against the table. It can be difficult to keep up with the pace of personal insults being thrown around the table and the constant talking, or rather shouting.
The key, however, is to remain an indifferent bystander. To enjoy political debate, you have to passively observe it, just like you would a movie or play. If you get into a fight, you’ll likely leave the table red-faced and with your fists clenched.
It’s also foolish to try to diffuse the discussion. In the first years of this era, there was always someone trying to suppress discussion. “Guys!” he would shout, “Can’t you get involved in politics?” Of course, no one listened to him. Most of these archangels have already given up and realize that even if they can’t control the discussion, they can at least have fun with it.
The only time it is appropriate to intervene is when it is unlikely that the opposing factions have found common ground, but when the debate seems to be dying down simply because everyone is tired from shouting too much. is. At times like these, I recommend making something controversial that will infuriate many people at the table.
However, once the turmoil is restored, it is important to return to pure observance again. Just sit back and enjoy the best entertainment since the Battle of Rome at the Colosseum.
