third year evan lasseter

If you didn't know, it is now that romantic time of the year. If you’re like me, it’s the best time of the year… but everyone else's least favorite. Yet, the good news for all of us is that this love-laced “holiday” is not the reason to be hype and happy. Rather, it’s because a primary election is upon us, with a head-to-head battle for President looming behind it. This is the time of year when our republic should be thriving downtown on a Friday night. I mean, seriously, what’s more exciting than civic engagement?

Unfortunately coming off the heels of a holiday season, many of us may have a bad taste in our mouths from political conversations. Ask around. I am certain you are not the only person with a Facebook-crazed, fake news mongering family member that you just can’t see eye-to-eye with. For some of you that means your holidays were often ruined due to opposing viewpoints. Your cousins didn’t get a bite of the chocolate dream dessert you spent five hours making the night before. Aunt, uncle, grandma and grandpa, everyone was out the door once the political top blew off at the dinner table. Or, sadly, some of us didn't even see family for fear of the holiday being ruined because of a political discussion.

Now, the holidays are in the past, and I vote we flip the script this election season. Navigating the discourse with your wonky family member may seem impossible, but I don’t believe it has to be. So, after I thought about it, talked to friends, family, and even got a lecture on the same topic in a journalism class, this is what I've come up with -three quick tips on how to talk politics with your crazy family member.

Hit ‘em with the hard news: Do your own due diligence to put together a list of media outlets that are known to be credible and factual. Forbes has a great “Top 10” list, and you could also check places like the Columbia Journalism Review for good news criticism. Present them with good facts, as that’s the only basis for discussion.
Don’t take yourself too seriously: I believe this situation always pans out better when we’re the ones in control of our emotions. Don’t be mistaken, we should never back down from steadfast moral convictions, but sometimes it helps to just laugh at how ridiculous people can be.
Listen to hear, not to speak: Set the tone and grounds for discussion by being respectful and engaging earnestly first. The person across the table or on the other side of the phone will be more likely to consider and respect your assertions if you first engage in good faith. The point is progress right? So, open yourself up to it first.

Your least favorite time of year, and how to make it better