The Wisconsin Union Directorate Society and Politics Committee (WUDSOPO) recently held a workshop at Memorial Union called “Politics Over Pie” to help students navigate political conversations with family during the holidays. The event addressed the increased political polarization in the U.S. post-election and the challenges it poses for having civil discussions with relatives.
With Wisconsin being a battleground state and the current political climate being especially volatile, the workshop aimed to provide students with strategies for confidently expressing their opinions while also actively listening to others. Participants were shown a video of Secretary Pete Buttigieg engaging with undecided voters as an example of how to discuss politics civilly with those who may have differing views.
Students had the opportunity to practice these strategies in a debate on light-hearted topics, emphasizing the importance of respectful discussion even when opinions differ. The workshop also highlighted the need for students to have someone to debrief with after challenging conversations and the realization that it may not always be possible to change someone’s mind.
Through the workshop, students were encouraged to approach political conversations with confidence and open-mindedness, acknowledging that it is natural for individuals to resist admitting they are wrong. By practicing respectful dialogue on lighter topics, students can develop the skills to engage in more serious discussions with family members during the holiday season. The event concluded with the message that understanding and empathy are key to navigating divisive political discussions.
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Photo credit www.dailycardinal.com
