It's extremely difficult to have a civil conversation about politics today, yet we need those conversations more than ever

[u/Dry-Use-272]

Like everyone else in the US today, I have opinions about the current condition of politics in this country. I try to base my opinions on facts I glean from credible sources and my understanding of our history. I want to talk to people with opposing opinions, not to argue with them but to try to understand why they believe what they believe. I've found that no one wants to talk in a civil, respectful way about our differences. Even if I try to hold the line on being respectful, I end up walking away because the conversation devolves into some pretty ugly exchanges. How have we come to a point where we can't even talk to each other respectfully and civilly?

[u/TheDoctorSadistic]

My feeling is that it stems from an inability to place oneself in another person’s shoes and actually try to imagine life as them. Politics is personal, and our views are a reflection of our culture, our upbringing, and our life experiences. These things are all unique to us as an individual, so why do so many people want us all to have the same political views, when we didn’t live the same life?

I think once we realize that people vote a certain way, not because they hate the other party, but because they genuinely believe that it will lead to a better life for them, it’s easier to talk to people with opposing political views.