Opinion | Politics should not define relationships
As seen in volume 113, issue 11 of the Collegian
At a place like Bethel, where we are encouraged to think critically and engage with others, it surprises me how often politics become a wall instead of a bridge. Regardless of our backgrounds – whether it’s mine, yours, your teammates’, your professors’, or your classmates’ – relationships should be built on mutual respect, not political agreement. Perspective should be valued at all levels of relationships because it allows us to see the world from different points of view that we may not usually consider.
The political climate this year following the election has been tense. You can see it on campus, across social media, and in the news, where reactions vary depending on who you sided with. Whether you were happy or frustrated with the results, there’s one key point that often gets overlooked. Relationships should not be casualties of political differences.
As humans, we naturally gravitate toward people who share our beliefs. It creates a sense of belonging and understanding. But why can’t we do the same with those who think differently from us? Stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t easy by any means, but it can be incredibly valuable. Engaging with people who hold different views helps us understand why they think the way they do. Even if we don’t agree, we can still listen and respect their perspective.
I firmly believe that we learn the most from those who are different from us. You don’t have to believe or adopt their views, but hearing them out strengthens relationships, fosters open-mindedness, and helps us grow. In a time when division feels stronger than ever, let’s not allow political lines to divide the personal connections that matter most.
At the end of the day, friendships and relationships are built on more than just politics. The values that make someone a good friend, such as kindness, respect, and trust are not determined by who they vote for. If we let political disagreements ruin our relationships, we are missing out on meaningful connections that could shape us in a positive way. It’s okay to disagree – there’s no obligation to believe what someone else does – but it’s not okay to let those disagreements create hostility. We all have different experiences that shape our views, and sharing and listening is what makes discussions worthwhile.
Instead of pushing people away because of politics, we should choose to listen, learn, and grow. Real change happens in understanding each other as human beings.