Last week on line to vote in the primaries, I befriended an enthusiastic young man, waiting to perform his patriotic duty. He asked me which party I was registered for, to which I responded “Democrat.” He coyly replied, “Yes, because you have morals.”
The young man’s implication that Republicans don’t have morals, while a joke, is startling. To generalize an entire political party is just as potent as a racial, religious or gender stereotype. Although the young man intended his statement without malice, his words reflect a climate of political sensitivity and insensitivity.
Who doesn’t love a good joke about political parties? This country was founded on satire. From Ben Franklin to Steven Colbert, members of all political ideologies can relish in mocking each other. But this has extended outside the appropriate forums. I don’t need to be told at the polls who I should vote for. I don’t need a lecture from anyone, whether they are 16 or 60, to tell me why my decision is wrong.
Millennials are a paradoxical generation. We may not be the most avid church goers, but we report strong feelings of spirituality. We may be tolerant of different races, religions and sexual orientations, but not opinions or political beliefs. We’ve seen Bernie Sanders supporters shout over Hillary Clinton at her own campaign rally at Purchase College. We’ve seen students at Emory University taking offense at Trump’s name written in chalk on their campuses, claiming it to be hate speech.
College is a time to look at other perspectives, not cocoon ourselves in “safe spaces.” Students do themselves a disservice by refusing to read, watch or at least learn the opposite view. President Obama rebuked students who ban speakers from campuses for their opposing political beliefs, calling them “coddled.” Comedians like Louis C.K., Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld refuse to perform on college campuses because of the excessive, often stifling politically correct culture.
We must strive to distinguish people with differing views from extremists. There is a fine line between opposing abortion and screaming obscenities at women outside abortion clinics. Brian Deinstadt’s April 13 piece condemning abortions is a perfect example on how unpopular views should be expressed. Nowhere in the article did Deinstadt articulate misogyny or malice toward women. The discussion his words provoked is an important one. While I disagree with much of his argument, I was glad to read the piece and see the side that is not presented as frequently.
It’s hard to have a thick skin when discussing such personal subjects that pertain to race, sex and sexual orientation. Most people have solidified their views on these issues, and are less than likely to be influenced otherwise. A disagreement with these subjects if often perceived as an attack to be condemned, not refuted, with a debate. Whatever your views are, listen to others. Play devil’s advocate. Identify the flaws in your arguments and the strengths in another’s.
Kristen DiPietra is an undeclared sophomore.