The first thing they teach you about the work place; “No conversations including race, politics or economics” (unless of course, that’s your job- literally). And I mean, I could see why that is a rule, the last thing you want is conflict in the workplace due to opposing opinions or God forbid, someone is offended by an unintentional ignorant comment that may spark serious debates and tension. It’s reasonable rule when looking at it from that perspective.
But I am tired of this norm. Most of us make friends in the workplace; at our part time jobs or in the classroom. These conversations may start over a salad at a lunch outing, or while you’re casually chilling on your colleague’s living room couch- it’s inevitable. That being said, it’s likely that these conversations may unintentionally be dragged into the workplace. This is where the problem starts and ends- only if we let it. How are we going to solve our societal issues if we refuse to talk about it? That only benefits the oppressor while the rest of minorities like people of color, refugees, immigrants & LGBT communities sit here, biting our tongues as they wait for a time to come where they are treated with equity, a time that will never come because they’re are constantly told, “don’t talk about it.”
So, how do we talk about it without causing conflict? If you’re anything like me, this might be a little difficult. So, here are some tips:
1.) Police Your Tone-
I get it- you’re passionate. You don’t want to sit and grin as you have a conversation with a Trump supporter as they say “he’s never said anything remotely racist!”, or, “he just wants to protect us from the Muslims!” In opposite, you probably just want to punch them in their throat and this is likely projected through your tone of voice. Being angry turns the political conversation from “opposing opinions” to an “uncivil argument.” From then on, you and that peer probably won’t like each other, and they won’t want to listen to anything that you have to say because they’ll see it as bias- and it definitely is (you have every right to be biased, by the way. But its all about strategy.)
2.) Know Your Facts
No one can really argue with you if you have hardcore proven facts. But, this doesn’t mean that they’ll change their mind and agree with you, some people are just that stubborn. But it will definitely make them go home thinking and questioning their point of view.
3.) Know That You Might Never Come To An Agreement
Some people will always stick by what they believe in. I know for a fact that I will always be an inter-sectional feminist, I will always believe that the LGBT community should have the same rights, etc.- I will always be this way. Some people will always be fascist, until the day that they die. If you peep this, stop having those political conversations to avoid wasting your breath. There will never be a point where everyone is going to agree with each other!
4.) Be Mature
If you go to school or work with people who are anything like my peers, they might try to “trigger” you. I have classmates who will yell out things like “are you assuming my gender?!”, or “all lives matter!” so they’ll get my attention and a reaction. Don’t react. They’ll eventually stop. No one will take you seriously if you’re being just as immature!
5.) Don’t Push It
After all, this is your work place, or area of learning and you have to see these people almost every day. So know your limits if you’re talking with someone who disagrees. It’s about shifting their perspective, don’t approach them being loud, mean or passionate. Understand that a lot of people are still victim to a system that has taught them to be oblivious towards harsh realities. Don’t bring it up every time that you see them. It’s all about patience. You want them to feel comfortable around you, that’s how they listen. (I’m cordial with classmates who are Trump supporters because arguing won’t fix anything. We get to have civil conversations so we see different perspectives… even if their perspective is pretty sh***y.)
Understand that a lot of people are still victim to a system that has taught them to be oblivious towards harsh realities.
The reason they tell us to not get political in the work place is because people don’t know how to do so without causing friction. It’s easier said than done, and doing so will shift your view or feelings towards someone, it’s almost inevitable. But you could also make a friend, so it’s not all negative! We can’t end societal issue’s if we don’t talk about it with people that we see almost everyday. All that matters is that you’re having these conversations the right way; the civil way.
Comments are closed.