How To Get Into Political Talk Without Getting Others To Go Cray On You...
How many of you talk politics? If you're like me, chances are the only party you are affiliated with requires a cocktail dress and a two drink minimum. And to avoid any immediate migraines you try to avoid any topic related to the past election. I totally get it, I much rather discuss one of my favorite reality shows like Hustle and soul, Black ink crew, or The Real Housewives of Atlanta. It's more likely that last time you enjoyed politics being discussed you were watching the animated series Schoolhouse Rock on a rainy day during elementary school. That was my last encounter with understanding how a “bill” worked. Fast forward to adult life, speaking politics are short spurts of conversation that start and end with “Did you see was Trump tweeted?” And if we follow the proper etiquette of social outings; politics, religion, and all things sensitive is counter intuitive. They should never be talked about amongst fellow humans. So now what, everything related to the gossip of your reality series has been covered amongst your group of friends and you're ready for some heavy hitter tea. Believe it or not, politics will have it for you and it is piping hot.
If you’ve been keeping up with the Kardashians, even they have been keeping up with the White House.
via Newsweek
There is a lot of scandal in the white house and once you get into it, every breakout story will be your daily fix for drama and juicy details. Kim Kardashian created a political-reality bridge through showing her political involvement on her reality show. And she’s right on time, now that adulting is a way of life, it's time we get tuned in on the political novella. But where can we catch up on the political par-tea? ( see what I did there) Our government has been happening for what… 200 years? Give or take? That's like trying to jump into the real Housewives of the O.C. and that's only been running since 2004. (You would be completely lost now.) And we can't binge watch government news like most of us did to be all caught on Game of Thrones to be prepped for the finale season that recently aired. So how can one make up for lost times that date back before their own existence? I hear your thoughts; don't worry I got you.
The simple answer is, don't get hung up on the past.
There's nothing we can do about missing the past seasons of what's been going on in the White House, but it shouldn't be the block that stops you from getting in touch with your political side. Watching Law and Order also helps with gathering the lingo; using all that court jargon may help at least sound like you know what you’re talking about. So, I would say between law and order and a quick US history refresh, you can create a good stand on at least the principle of US government. Other ways to educate yourself and build that foundation, is start subscribing to newsletters or any political publication ( like ours wink* wink* ) that will get you in the central hub of what's happening today. It will sound foreign for a while, but at least you are aware something is happening at this point. For your sanity, you will want to take it in small doses. The White House gossip is not for the faint at heart.
Ok, now we’re educated and swimming in deeper waters of politics. Next thing to do is just dive into conversation, and believe me the topics get hot amongst friends. Talking about it cements your stance but it can also lead to heated debates. My advice, go in with the faith you’re right to feel what you feel but also, so does the other person. The goal is that you take away something new from the conversation just make sure it's not a shiner. So the next time your a couch potato and in between shows, peek into the conference meetings on the CNN channel, and see what madness might be happening in the state’s capital this week and then bring it up to that snooty book worm that works at the office. You will sound so smart and in tune with what’s going on around you, but quite honestly your just passing along some hot political tea.
cover image via PRI
