Talking politics: Frustrations abound on both sides
The days of shying away from political discussions in polite company seem to be over.
From social media posts to conversations with friends and family, politics have become a hot button talking point for many. That’s left some frustrated as they try to navigate the increasingly divisive landscape we live in.
Angela Meeds of Somerset County, who was walking with her daughter and sister at the Ohiopyle State Park this week, said the current barrage of rhetoric has become “unbearable,”
“It feels like everywhere you go, someone is trying to talk politics,” she said. “At the grocery store, at family gatherings — it’s as if everyone has forgotten how to talk about anything else. I love discussing ideas, but it’s become so divisive.”
Her daughter, Stephanie, a teacher who described herself as “politically interested and emotionally exhausted,” tries to steer conversations in a different direction.
“I’ve started asking people about their hobbies instead. I think it reminds us that we have more in common than we realize, like a love for gardening or baking,” she said.
Washington County resident WIlliam Riley said the media has helped foster the division.
“I mean look at it like this, Trump has been in office for less than 90 days, and he’s been doing exactly what he said he was going to do, and the media just spins it out of control,” Riley said.
“I mean every time (the president uses the restroom) you guys talk like it’s the end of the world. (H)e’s cleaning up the mess from Biden and getting rid of waste so we can once again be a prosperous and successful county. The liberal media won’t even give him a chance.”
Several people interviewed declined to give their full names or asked not to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the topic and current social climate.
“It’s hard to talk to people who live in a different reality than we do,” said Chris, who asked not to be identified because of his job. “The economy is tanking, everyday there’s more information coming out that our federal government is being dismantled, and we’re isolating ourselves from the rest of the world. There’s no way this ends well but people are too stubborn to admit they got duped by (President Trump).”
Emily, a nursing student who did not want to give her last name, stays away from social media for the sake of her mental health.
“There’s so much, all the time,” she said.
Uniontown resident Patrick Struhar, who works in the medical field, took aim at the media and social media for basing profits on sensationalism rather than ethics.
“The media has turned messagings into a type of ratings game – you know the old saying ‘if it bleeds it leads’ – so if it generates more antagonism and negative energy, it’s going to get a lot more traction,” Struhar said.
Struhar said he believes the amplification of political messaging started under past President George W. Bush and picked up steam during the tenure of past President Barack Obama.
“(T)hat’s when the internet was really starting to gain traction, and you saw the beginning of targeted advertisements and using algorithms to weaponize, for lack of a better word, political narratives,” he said. “Propaganda has always been propaganda (and) the technology advances have allowed it to be a lot more sophisticated.”
Gregory and Melany Chrash, lifelong Fayette County residents, said civility has gone by the wayside.
“I think you have to be familiar with what is going on in the world, but you have to keep it in perspective. You don’t want politics to divide you, but it seems we have lost the art of being able to discuss and disagree,” said Melany Chrash, a former nursing professor.
Both believe the discourse started around the time of the Clinton administration and blamed the newly implemented Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies.
“(T)here was suddenly this intolerance towards anybody’s opinion other than what they were propagating. It was either you thought this way, or you just kept your mouth shut,” Melany said.
The Chrash’s questioned when people will be able to civilly discuss politics.
“I think we are at a turning point right now that people are trying to listen a little better to what other people are saying and trying to not take it as personally,” Melany said.