Politics is top of people’s minds with the election less than a week away, which according to one councillor means talk about politics may be unavoidable.
Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge Dr. Bonnie Lee says the election is happening during tumultuous times for Canada and the world. Lee explains no matter where people stand on the political spectrum everyone has a vested interest in their position, which could lead to a heated discussion.
“We’re also living in a society where there’s more diversity than before and politics are very much tied in with people’s sense of identity. You’re depending on the generation, the age group, where you’re situated in society, what economic category you belong to. So it’s unavoidable that people would have different opinions,” Lee states.
She explains during family or group counselling she works to harmonize the conversation so that different standpoints which stem from different backgrounds and concerns can be heard. She adds navigating these conversations comes down to the people in the discussion and whether or not they are willing to venture out and hear somebody else’s views which could be different from their own.
“On the speaker’s side, it would be preferable if that person does not use inflammatory language or derogatory language towards people who share different views or even towards the political candidate, because, that could raise emotions… On the responder side, see if you could keep an open mind and see if there is anything that could make sense on the opposite side. Maybe respond by finding a point that they could agree with – that might smooth the discussion.”
Lee adds keeping these things in mind could lead to a productive discussion where both sides can learn about how others view things and why they see it that way, but it also could lead to a quickly derailed conversation where those in the conversation end up shouting at each other. Her suggestion is to suggest a pause, a change of subject or to walk away when the conversation reaches a point where it is no longer productive.
Another topic Lee says it is important to be mindful about talking about where they are getting or finding information because there are so many sources in the world now which she says is part of the danger of our times.
“We’re not just kind of talking to a few people, but, we’re hearing things from many sides and I think when people talk about political interference from other countries, that could be part of it,” Lee says. “So, social media is one and maybe more partisan views on social media or different kinds of media could also inflame things. So, we have to be careful of that.”
Lee states research has found political conversations or political differences, can have a severe impact on people’s mental health and in some cases relationships. This is why it is so important to try and be understanding of the other person’s point of view.
“Because once we kind of judge the other person as being ignorant or how could you think that way? How could you choose this candidate? Then people might feel attacked and then that would really be damaging to relationships.”
According to Lee, while it can be more comfortable to talk to those who have the same political opinion as yourself that can be dangerous in its own form as it can lead to silos. She says it is important to have conversations with those who have different viewpoints, but it is also important towards it being respectful and productive.
Canadians will be hitting the polls on Monday, April 26th.
