Better Political Conversations

In the video How to have better political conversations, I was drawn to many troubling memories in high school. During this timeframe, kids are starting to form their own political opinions separate from what their parents have told them growing up. Kids find all kinds of ways to share about how they see the world. This happens both on social media and during the school day. Students talking about how they see the world politically plays a large part in the continuing division of people in the United States.

My mind was instantly filled with memories of students talking about politics on social media. Obviously, there are some people who are willing to say whatever they want in person. However, I think that everyone has the ability to say what's on their mind and get carried away on social media. On a daily basis, I see political posts, both left and right, that

The political statements in our high schools are much more subtle, and rarely are directed at a specific individual. Saying this, it does lead to groups of people being shut out only based on their ideas. This happens to both the left and the right. I think it is sad that kids are forced into this situation at such a young age. Even adults shouldn't need to pick and choose friends based on what political stance they take, let alone students. High Schools are for learning and preparing for college, not political arguments. I need to make myself clear that I used the word “argument” for a reason. The majority of high schoolers are not capable of having a constructive debate without name calling and putting down the other side. This is part of the reason that political conversation among high schoolers is contribution to the division of our society. Few of these students have the ability to communicate in a productive manner. Instead, these kids are focused on proving their point and refuse to even consider the opposing