How to handle talking politics during the holidays
With the holidays around the corner, should you discuss politics?
Q:
A: We negotiate politics across our interpersonal relationships everyday, whether they be familial, romantic, platonic and professional. We sometimes frame our approach with our partners differently from, say, with close friends; and our co-workers receive a more curated version of ourselves. Discussing politics over the holidays is just an extension of our daily routine and maintenance of relationships. Allow political discourse to happen organically. Ascertain exactly what you’re discussing: a dissimilar approach to government, a current news item, a specific politician or ideology. Listen carefully because, in today’s climate, there’s a difference between debating politics and human rights. Challenge others to explain themselves and to cite supporting reputable sources. We’re not afraid of political debates; we’re afraid of finding out who our family and friends really are, based on their viewpoints disguised as “politics.”
A: If you do discuss politics, be aware of where you’re holding your conversations, even in your house. You want to be cordial and if someone brings it up, you want to divert the conversation to something else. When you redirect the conversation, make sure you do this gently, smile and be polite in your tone and manner. If you’re sure everyone is on a similar page, you can bring up politics, but still keep it light. Politics shouldn’t be the focus of your holiday event. When you’re seeing your family, especially people who have been separated or isolated, you want to keep people’s mental health upbeat and positive.
— Jacquelyn Youst, etiquette expert and owner of Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol