In recent years, the political landscape of America has turned rocky with unrest. Opposing views have split apart friends and families alike. The recent election and following controversial actions have tensions between people at a high. Despite the ongoing problems around the country that have people butting heads, it is not worth destroying relationships with those that are loved and cherished. 

Especially between generations, families can be broken up into different sides depending on who they supported or voted for. The growing gap between political ideas, and even amongst Democrats and Republicans, makes it difficult to stay composed and civil while discussing them. Older generations often put down younger generations for their ideas, and similarly young people can be arrogant with their political beliefs. Teens emerging into adulthood are expected to “grow up” and be more adultlike, yet are criticized by those who are supposed to support them. However, these teens do not know everything about politics in the past and present, and do need to listen to their elders more sometimes. 

Online propaganda also now plays a role in the current state of politics. Whether it is a Facebook post spreading false information to people 40 and up, or “podcast bros” lying to kids 25 and younger, the internet, and more specifically social media, has changed the landscape of politics. People 65 and older along with those from generation Z and millennials are the most susceptible to propaganda. The misinformation of the internet fuels the fiery discontent of older and younger generations. Each generation grows more frustrated with the other for falling for blatant lies spread in ways meant to trick people.

But, how the growing gap between families and friends can be stopped is more important than the why. Start by stepping back and looking at what you truly value. Each presidential term can only last for four years before re-election; is it worth it to stop talking to your mother, father, sister, grandparent because you disagreed with them during a four year cycle? Is it worth cutting yourself off from those you love simply because you each fell for propaganda in some way? Rather than removing loved ones from your life because your political preferences are different, help each other understand why you believe what you do and respect each other’s decisions.