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After a summer of racial reckoning, two presidential impeachments, a siege laid upon the U.S. Capitol and the impending inauguration of a new administration, conversations about political beliefs are arguably more polarized than ever.
Politics is generally considered an inappropriate topic for conversations at family gatherings or on first dates. In the best-case scenario, it can make for an awkward situation. Worse, things can get volatile with insults hurled and voices raised.
What s at risk if we continue to allow conversations with those we disagree with to devolve into hardened feelings, ruptured social ties or altogether avoidance of discourse with people on the opposite side of the political spectrum? What are the implications for deliberative democracy ?