Talking about politics, sex and religion has always been taboo. Politics, in particular, can cause stress in personal relationships, and discussing politics at work is strongly discouraged because it could result in rifts among co-workers, which impacts business productivity.
Why, then, is it so hard for adults to discuss politics? One theory is that most of us weren’t taught at a young age how to have a positive exchange with someone who has opposing political views. In fact, parents would often ask their children to leave the room when discussing politics, or the conversation got shut down entirely, leaving curious young people with unanswered questions. This is where the problem takes hold and the wrong foundation gets laid. It’s also where the solution to our polarized political system can be found.
What if we started encouraging positive conversations around political issues with young people at home, in school and on the playground? Would there be fewer heated confrontations and less polarization by the time they were adults because these types of conversations would no longer be taboo?
With the rise of social media and mobile technology, millennials and GenZ have been exposed to political content sooner and at a more advanced rate. Some might say that explains why they are viewed as more politically active than other generations. Sounds encouraging for the future, right? True, they have been exposed to political content much earlier. However, if the content they are consuming is not balanced or lacks objectivity, are they doomed to repeat the same behaviors of prior generations, which is to vehemently reject differing political views?
Children’s and young adults’ engagement in politics and political movements is not something new. In the 1960s, children played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. Many of them learned how to engage in political conversations by watching leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In fact, the past five decades produced events that inspired political activism and unity among youth. Highlights include the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War and 911 terrorist attacks. These events (though tragic) created an environment that normalized political discourse. However, that unity and willingness to have meaningful dialogue hasn’t stuck. The Obama and Trump administrations have revealed that adults have a hard time talking about politics . . . especially if there are counter perspectives.
If the future of the United States rests in the hands of our youth, shouldn’t we teach them how to engage in opposing dialogue properly in order to find resolution? Shouldn’t we teach them how to find compromise?
So, then, how do you talk to children and young adults about political subjects that most adults can’t agree on and have ended friendships or even exiled family members over?
Don’t try to force ideas down a young person’s throat, which can easily happen when talking politics. The reality is a child’s initial ideas about politics are formed based on a parent or role model’s political opinions. Children may find the subject of politics intimidating if not explained properly.
According to many parenting experts, most parents start to talk to their kids about politics between the ages of 6-12. However, some parents feel that’s too soon because the child might not fully understand. It’s best to not start with hardcore politics. Instead, start with something simple, such as explaining what voting is and the process one goes through to vote.
If the subject of politics does, in fact, come up early, discuss issues before diving into something deeper like political ideology. Talking about the pros and cons of a certain political issue is a great way to instill objectivity. By presenting the positives and negatives, parents promote understanding and appreciation for an opposing viewpoint. Their child can make up his or her mind on how this issue may or may not affect them. Leaving opinion out of the discussion may be the best way for them to learn how to engage others in conversations about political issues.
The long-term benefits could deliver more bipartisanship and less polarization. Early engagement also fosters empathy for opposing views and a better understanding of our political system. Who doesn’t want that?
