Read books/
newspapers
This is important. There will be tons of books
released on one of the most unpredictable and
eventful elections in recent history. So skimming
through Amazon for the ones that suit you may
help you grasp a better understanding of the
issues.
One of the fi rst major published reads is
Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton’s Doomed
Campaign (Crown Publishing) by Jonathan Allen
and Amie Parnes. For Clinton supporters, it’s an
important read. It may be a tough one, but it really
does describe the inner workings of a campaign
described to be in turmoil.
I found it to be a fair portrayal and suitable for
Democrats, Republicans, independents or anyone
else. As the forward describes, even an anti-
Clinton reader may feel a hint of sympathy for the
candidate.
Reading books on past elections is also
benefi cial. Game Change (Harper Collins) on
the 2008 election and its sequel Double Down
(Penguin Books), both by Mark Halperin and
John Heilemann, are great references to see
the direction the country has gone in. They’re
thought-provoking and provide great material for
discussions.
And then there are newspapers and magazines.
Despite what some detractors may say, print
publications hold more signifi cance than they have
in a long time. Even if you despise certain papers or
magazines, they’re being read by the higher-ups.
Maybe you don’t believe articles with unnamed
sources or hate a particular op-ed, but why not
at least read through it to be well-versed? Doing
so will enable you to know what each side is
thinking. You’ll then be able to bring those ideas
forward during a calm discussion, especially in the
classroom.
Find some Youtube
shows
Sure, there’s a lot of garbage on Youtube, like
any other medium, featuring rude, disrespectful
personalities. Nonetheless, there’s a rising
number of thought-provoking channels out there
that focus on history and current events.
One that I would recommend is “Colin’s Last
Stand.” I don’t agree with a lot that he says via
Twitter, but on his show, whether the subject
is future candidates, understanding the 25th
Amendment or the importance of NASA, the wellproduced
approximately 20-minute-long episodes
are certainly deserving of respect.
It’s a fascinating show that deserves a view,
whether you like his opinions or not, which brings
me to my next point. There are other shows to fi nd
too. Even if you disagree with the personality’s
opinion, give it a try.
Listen to both sides
The best-case scenario is to talk to a friend or
family member that you couldn’t disagree more
with and go point by point through the issues each
of you have. You still won’t agree, but you may
realize you have more common ground than you
know. Or maybe not.
But a lot of people want the same thing, such
as better lives for their families. That’s something,
right?
Avoid rants even if it
takes every being
Social media is a great way to convey your
thoughts and what you believe in. it’s important
not to feel censored. And expressing yourself to
your peers is healthy, whether online or in person.
However, there should be some sort of healthy
balance. People are angry on both sides which
often results in the posting of very hurtful
comments on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Whether it be calling out supporters, a race,
a gender, or using expletives, things can get
ugly really fast, especially among friends and
acquaintances. Indeed, social media has become
unnerving due to some of the vile posts that refl ect
the full spectrum of political opinion.
How about thinking about what you’d like to
write, checking it over and expressing your opinion
in a way that limits off ensive terms? Referring to
factual articles that are respectful helps as well.
Too often, once solid friendships have been
tarnished by political posts. Keep it respectful and
concise and educated. Try your best to preserve
relationships.
Avoid hatred
If you see people online or in your life that
are blatantly trying to make you, or a group that
you may or may not be part of feel inferior, it’s
important to distance yourself from them as
quickly as possible.
Some people can’t be civil, even if you try.
That’s life. It may hurt, but maybe it’s time to sever
ties completely.
Get involved peacefully
There’s nothing wrong with peaceful protesting,
so if you can express your views while keeping the
peace on either side, that’s all right. Volunteering
for candidates that you feel strongly about in
any capacity helps. You can never start too early.
Getting involved in student government and taking
electives that focus on politics are other great
alternatives if you have the time.
QNS.COM
46 FALL 2017