Talking Politics

Oxford defines Politics as "the activities involved in getting and using power in public life, and being able to influence decisions that affect a country or a society".

Whether to discuss politics, let alone aspiring for power or not is an individual decision. Yet, I use conversations on politics to discern empathetic traits in an individual.

Most governance policies have limited direct impact on us as individuals. Hence, many find it convincing to take a neutral stance on decisions. "Those on top know better than us" seems to be the general ideology. The silence of us, collectively, is taken as a grant by politicians to continue with their agenda. Issues like "Citizenship Amendment Act in India", "National Security Legislation: Hong Kong/China", and "Executive Orders by Donald Trump", drove deep wedges between the pro and the opposing groups.

Topics such as those listed above, when discussed, draw a picture of personal beliefs, knowledge sourcing and consumption patterns, and the ability to think through a multitude of spectrum. Society influencing decisions need scrutiny through the lenses of past, present and the future. Stepping into someone's shoes is not about what you would do if in their position, but, to comprehend what they feel in a situation.

Conversation discussing politics help substantially in assessing the skills of an individual to listen, understand and express, the primary empathetic tools in a holistic relationship. The inherent biases, ability to learn and unlearn, perception of power, expectations from the society, are a few impressions that help in setting a tone for building a relationship.

A general expression at this stage could be "aren't you overthinking?". True. We've seen our parents live together for decades despite their differences in politics. Two different thought process can co-exist. But, that ability to not go to war, but co-exist, can also be primarily understood through the above approach.

A politically active individual can pair with an apolitical. Two opposing sides of ideology can still live together. For those whom relationships are not just compatibility, but bringing the best in each other, understanding the process behind the evolution of their ideology will be crucial.

I believe relationships should not be to meet societal norms but to feel connected with another in the real sense to inspire the best in you and of them. That's how you build a better world, especially if you plan to raise kids!

#perspectiveat30 #politics #relationship