I recently read a tweet from Dr. Michael J. Svigel, Theology Professor, at the Dallas Theological Seminary, who summed up my thoughts exactly. He said, “The question should never be, ‘Is this action leftist or right-wing… liberal or conservative… socialist or capitalist?’ The question should be, ‘Does this action love my neighbor… look out for their interests more than my own?’”
As a student on a F1 visa, I don’t have the right to vote in the US, however I still encourage others to do so. This upcoming election impacts my life and future as much as it impacts others. However, I am trying to stay unbiased and understand all points of view. Something I'm concerned with is the fact that people judge others based on their political views -- because they support a different political party, or sometimes just because they are friends with somebody who has different political views. I believe this kind of attitude is divisive and not helpful. I think we need to agree to disagree, and at least listen to people’s opinion even if it doesn’t align with our own, and lastly, to have conversations in a civil manner.
In times of uncertainty, tension and anxiety, it’s important to voice our concerns and unite as a community. In this sense, Wagner offered students multiple channels to open conversations about their thoughts and feelings on the upcoming election. On October 29, 6 days out from Election Day (November 3, 2020), the Wagner community was invited to a pre-election discussion over Zoom.
The event was sponsored by the Bonner Leaders Program, Center for Intercultural Advancement, Chief Diversity Officer, Dean's Office, Center for Academic and Career Engagement, and Campus Ministry. Fellow Bonner Greyson Riley facilitated a portion of this conversation, and students, faculty and staff participated in the discussion.
We first got a feel of everybody’s thoughts about the upcoming election. We used Mentimeter for this, a tool that anonymously shares real-time feedback. Below is a screenshot of the responses received during the meeting.
We then asked everyone to share some ways to cope if the election doesn’t go the way they hoped. Here are the answers:
Holly Bonner, Civic Engagement professor and volunteer Chaplain with Campus Ministry, facilitated these discussions. She acknowledged how this election might be overwhelming for people, but how we can feel empowered about making our voices heard.
“The fact that ‘educate’ and ‘pray’ are the largest, gives me hope. I’m glad that people would feel like through education and prayer they can find solace, and cope with a situation that might not go their way.” Prof. Bonner explained how prayer is a great coping mechanism, connecting with our body, mind and spirit.
Instead of moving away, which is not a valid option, especially during those times, we can move our personal value system and become more engaged in the community. “Drive home the point that you have the opportunity to make a difference, no matter what the direction that the election is going,” Prof. Bonner encouraged us. “We hope you know you can still make a difference, we want you to be on the frontlines and make the chances that you would like to happen on campus or in our community.”
Some concerns that people voiced during this conversation were: environmental issues, immigration policies, Covid-19 and having a comprehensive response that will help us get through it, social justice issues, homosexuality and marriage/equality concerns, disability rights among others.
One concern that was particularly discussed was the political culture of the country -- the United States is now divided as a country, and the two sides aren’t even able to talk to one another. When having political discussions, a lot of people don’t even try to understand the other’s point of view, arguments etc. Others avoid engaging in these conversations from the start. Lee Manchester shared with us a quote from one of his favorite novelists, Kurt Vonnegut: “Please — a little less love, and a little more common decency.”
Many participants voiced their concerns about going home and having conversations with family/friends on the election or political topics. Here are some tips they shared in dealing with this:
Make sure you have the energy to have the conversation.
Acknowledge that you can’t change your family members’ minds when entering the conversation.
Consider the question, “Is this a conversation that will bring out a new outcome or is it a conversation that will affect our relationship?” Choose what conversation to engage in, knowing that some people might have their minds made.
See the other person as a human being first; listen and remove the assumptions, before entering a conversation.
Have your research done before going into a political argument. Support your claim with data.
Disengage from the conversation if it turns into just attacks to the candidates rather than discussing policies.
This event aimed to prepare our campus community to be more united, respectful to one another and to learn to appreciate differences in a time when our society is so divided. The days ahead may be tumultuous, but dialogue and understanding can help us get through them.
By Rebeca Zoicas
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