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There is a major political divide separating the Republican and Democratic parties that has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In particular, Generation Z lacks respect when engaging in political discourse more often than not.

Eighty-four percent of adults say political debate has become less respectful in recent years due to the spread of misinformation and increased polarization, leading to heightened hostility and division. Everyone, especially Gen Z, needs to learn to engage in respectful political conversation if we want to have meaningful discussions about the well-being and future of our country.

Misinformation has intensified largely because people are obtaining their information through influencers on social media rather than reputable news organizations. Distributing political information through social media without consideration of its verifiability may amplify hostility, given that the anonymity of social media allows for users to hide behind a screen, increasing harassment and conflict. Social media has also normalized accusatory and aggressive political conversation, which further prevents productivity in discussing societal issues.

Increased polarization among Gen Z has unfolded due to the lack of respect within political conversations, as many people have shifted from factual arguments to emotional outpours, which decreases civic respect. This makes it extremely difficult to reach a common ground regarding political issues, something that’s key when introducing policy or creating change that affects all Americans.

Similarly, affective polarization (the phenomenon of greater animosity of the opposing party) has increased among Americans in the past two decades. External causes of this are largely due to echo chambers created through media; selective news exposure can increase an individual’s dislike for the opposing party and enlarge their own partisan beliefs. People are welcome to express their emotional response after any upsetting occurrence, but blatant disrespect and verbal assault is simply unnecessary.

Supporters from both sides of the political spectrum continually make personal attacks on individuals on social media, which does nothing to develop a political conversation. Egregious and targeted insults and threats impede genuine efforts to push our nation toward unification.

Misinformation, affective polarization and echo chambers have contributed to the extreme lack of respectful discourse and the increasing disrespect for beliefs that oppose our own. This affects the conversations we have with others, and American democracy as a whole.

Hailey Hoang | Design Editor

We are the rulers of the democratic process in that the representatives we elect are supposed to support our ideas and civil interests. If we are not properly educated on representatives and do not carefully evaluate their decision-making, we are undermining the value of a democratic system and its principles. As United States citizens, it’s our civic responsibility to make informed decisions because it will impact our own well-being and the direction of our country.

Unfortunately, political ignorance is still a significant issue in America. When people of opposing parties engage in conversations while neither is educated on the topic, the risk of undermining the accountability and accuracy of governmental discourse is steep.

When we educate ourselves, we exercise our ability to think critically. We can ask questions, identify faulty biases, listen actively and offer a different perspective. Subsequently, this allows the conversation to accelerate forward to achieve a civil compromise.

There are a number of organizations for young voters to support and educate themselves on the Democratic and Republican parties aiming to combat political ignorance, especially among college students.

For example, the organization College Democrats of America fosters a community of Democrats on college campuses to promote democratic beliefs and bring democratic voices to the political table. Similarly, Young America’s Foundation supports young conservatives on campuses to foster education on conservative ideals and promote political action.

These are just two of many organizations that are working to educate people on essential issues and policies in America. We have to support and use these resources in order to develop a society that has the ability to engage respectfully and knowledgeably in political discourse, thus productively challenging ideas that differ from our own.

There are many ways people can improve their own political knowledge to have more productive political discourse. A starting point would be gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the history of the U.S. political system to grasp why democracy works the way it does, as well as reading up on useful tips for political conversation, which can foster comfortability in discussing politics.

Furthermore, educating yourself on the current policies that each political party supports and the pressing issues that fill our country will help you determine what you support and how to effectively communicate that to others.

Engaging in political conversations where viewpoints differ from your own can be challenging sometimes. Most likely, your beliefs are strongly ingrained in your identity, which is why you’ve come to hold those opinions so dearly. But, the essential reason for politics is for societies to come to a civil agreement to collectively achieve human goals and find common ground on the issues that matter to us most.

College is a prime opportunity in life to engage with others from different backgrounds who have opposing ideologies from your own. So engage your peers, family and professors in fact-based discussion to learn about differing opinions and respond dynamically.

Lila Paton is a freshman majoring in public relations and business management. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at lgpaton@syr.edu.

Published on November 10, 2024 at 8:53 pm