Talking politics: A Thanksgiving guide to divisive conversations | Debra Mashek | Big Think

Talking politics: A Thanksgiving guide to divisive conversations
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As American families gather around the table for Thanksgiving, there's no guarantee that everyone will have the same views when it comes to politics. This means that there's a lot of potential for conflicts to blow up as we pass one another the pumpkin pie. The best approach is to not shy away from important conversations — yes, talk about politics. However, try to do so in a way that preferences understanding. In other words, instead of trying to change their position — as you beat them over the head with a drumstick — try to understand where they're coming from. Chances are, just by asking them questions you will learn something new that you haven't considered before. That alone, intellectual humility, is something to cherish this holiday season.
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DEBRA MASHEK

Debra Mashek is the executive director of Heterodox Academy, a non-partisan non-profit organization that promotes open inquiry in higher education. Mashek was previously a tenured full-professor at Harvey Mudd College, where she studied close relationships, community building, and collaboration.
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TRANSCRIPT:

[livingbeings]

references the prayer of St Francis:
"let me seek to understand not to be understood"

[TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Thanksgiving : How to talk politics

Don’t.

[emanonymous]

set up a ufc octagon outside in the yard, serve the wine, and enjoy the after dinner entertainment.

[Bigfoot_With_Internet_Access]

Good thing us sasquatches aren't really too concerned about politics way out here in the wilderness, so maybe everything will go smoothly

[yellowravenpro]

How to actually have a nice Thanksgiving dinner:
-Just don't mention the trinity of divisive topics: Politics, Religion and Sex.

[abesapien]

If you're with bigots, don't ask them why they're bigots, no matter how promising you think your techniques are. You will be confronted with ignorance, narrow-mindedness, fear, and a disdain for evidence...not some deep "experience" like this video suggests.

[arikaGME]

This is why I’m thankful to be sharing my dinner with my dogs. Zero politics just belly rubs and Turkey.

[amberrichards]

It's hard when people perceive me being married as a "political tool" or an "unsafe thing to show children."

So this year, I'm going to a house where everyone there loves me, and I love everyone. We have different political ideals, but they see me as a person, and I don't have to be afraid of becoming politicized without even saying anything. It's not always as simple as "ask questions" when your aunt LITERALLY thinks I should be tortured for who I love.


Edit: and it's SO HARD when I don't want to deal with being insulted and berated, so I leave, then my family is like "you're being so sensitive. Isn't family more important than opinions?"

[LifeVersity]

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Don't worry about the shopping tommorow - worry about your family today

[BomChickyBowWow]

Go to the kids table. That’s what I do.

[antardas]

Here’s a piece of advice, don’t talk politics with people you know that are just going to start with yell and scream

[fearthehoneybadger]

Thanksgiving is time for bonding, not division. Just be with your family and friends.

[sarrahchapman]

This is a beautiful message, well put. Thank you.

[airplane]

I would go with the Second Option: which is avoiding Politics during Thanksgiving.

[pharynx]

This is basically the socratic method, or street epistemology.

[RaisonBaby]

Option #4 - Stay home and actually enjoy your time off doing what you want to do

[TOOnyc]

Perfect timing, this was some good advice ✊🏽💯

[veganangel]

Sorry, there is just no way I would be able to politely inquisitive about racism and hate.

[ayounglivelysoulinanoldtir]

who the fuck would want to talk about all the sociopaths & psychopaths who keep trampleing us all down into the dirt under their jackboots, when your supposed to be having a nice time with your folks?!?!

[RuleofFive]

Me to racist relative: "So how did you come to that realization that everyone who isn't white is bad? Didn't that go out with the Nazis and the KKK??!
Happy Thanksgiving! ;)