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Food For Vote

Empathy for your opposing voter

By Joe PattersonPublished about a year ago 3 min read
Food For Vote
Photo by Tiffany Tertipes on Unsplash

Food for thought during voting season: Every individual is voting for who they feel is the better choice for their personal livelihood. I know, that’s definitely a “duh” moment, what else is new right? As difficult as it maybe, why don’t we take a few moments to not only see what another from the other side sees, but also feel what they feel.

You may hate the opposing party with a passion and that’s not exactly a complicated task considering some of offensive things that have been verbalized on these public platforms, but as bad as the other side may be, many are voting for them because they feel their future well-being depends on it, just like how you’re voting for whatever evil person everyone thinks you’re voting for because your future wellbeing depends on them.

Maybe you hate Trump, maybe you hate Harris, maybe you hate them both, but for the people voting for them there are a lot of feelings of desperation that if they don’t vote for them, then all is lost for the future.

We live in a nation heavily divided by the issues of being pro-life or pro-choice. One side is against abortion, the other side for it, but both sides feel like innocent lives are being violated against their will. Instead of not feeling the other side’s emotional strain, why don’t we try actually feeling for the sake of better understanding where they’re coming from? This doesn’t mean we’ll agree with them, but it does open the door to a better sense of common ground.

Nine times out of ten the person you’re voting for is a hero in your eyes, but a tyrant in the eyes of another. I’m not saying you have to switch and go against your ideals, but every now and then you have to step outside of your ballot box and view things from a different perspective.

Think about this, I am someone who has never been invested in politics. I don’t pledge allegiance to any political party and don’t hold any political views, though I do agree with a variety of points from every side. Growing up I was a very anti-political person, though I am still not a political advocate, I do not have anything against anyone who is political minded, regardless of their spectrum. I’ve made it a habit to respect where everyone is coming from politically.

I really do make a conscious effort to be empathetic to the politically driven and I try to be conscious of the belief that they really do feel like they are supporting what is best for the nation. At the same time I think one of the biggest problems today is that too many people idolize the political world. It’s nothing wrong with having a political belief, but if you’re at a point where your political beliefs having you hating someone else or render you incapable of having a civilized conversation about politics then you’re headed down the unhealthy road of political idolatry.

The point is be gentle with your opposing party. Politics and voting season are always tough times and people could use a lot voter’s grace during these seasons. The lack of grace is why we have so much division. The world will always disagree, but no one is meant to be divided like this. We have to set an example for the younger generation and right now the example that we’re setting is not a healthy one for our children and grandchildren. They shouldn’t be inheriting a trail of blood. Every voting season is about change. So how about this time around we change how we treat our political opponents.

advicepolitics

About the Creator

Joe Patterson

Hi I'm Joe Patterson. I am a writer at heart who is a big geek for film, music, and literature, which have all inspired me to be a writer. I rap, write stories both short and long, and I'm also aspiring to be an author and a filmmaker.

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Comments (3)

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  • Canuck Scriber Lisa Lachapelleabout a year ago

    That's a good perspective.

  • Natasha Collazoabout a year ago

    This took the words right out of my mouth! I too grew up in a home that was “ anti-all government” mainly because my mother was a psychopath 😂 but yes! Each term I grow older, significantly older I try to stay involved. I participate but my heart is exactly how you describe. I see things to both sides, and I’m more independent than either side. I literally said today, that both sides are someone’s well being, and whether we think “ oh that’s not well being if they xyz” that’s exactly where politics have gone wrong. Not one person grew up in the same household or have the same EXACT experience. All of our eyesight is diversified. We are most certainly allowed to heavily disagree whether on morals, or beliefs and still respect each others opinion. It’s called human decency and I’m afraid we’ve lost that, which is exactly why I am not heavy on politics. Sharing this insightful piece! A must read for everyone with a pulse.

  • Michelle Liew Tsui-Linabout a year ago

    Share the sentiment, Joe. May not be an American, but I relate to the sense of needing common ground. It should certainly drive any vote.

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