At my church service today, the minister suggested we reply to people with different political/social views in the following way:
"I cannot possibly agree with you on that point, but I love the way we both agree on..."
'loving our families?'
'support watering our lawn?'
'utilizing a budget for household needs?'
'love coupons?'
The point is to know that it is unlikely to change someone's political and/or social viewpoint with a single argument or conversation. Our viewpoints are based on a lifetime of experiences, and how we perceive the world. Letting someone know you disagree with them, without resorting to mind-changing tactics, defensive drama, and harsh words is not 'allowing' them to continue in bigotry or liberal brainwashing (depending on what side of the political spectrum you're in). It is 'allowing' them, and you, to recognize similarities, humanism, and a chance for connection. Responding with the recommended response is a way to remind ourselves that despite all this us vs. them mindset, we all want to be heard and we all want connection.
I plan on using this tactic when visiting my in-laws later this week.
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