defined by a title?

An observation: the presidential election to some was more than just voting for the president. It was taken to a completely different level, and in all honesty, it got really bitter and brutal.

Yesterday a friend posted this as a status (paraphrased):

“So much anger on the interwebs this morning. Let’s keep it all in perspective people – heat of the moment discussions and angry comments are happening today – and between friends. In twenty years, this will all be history. Your friends and loved ones won’t be, or shouldn’t be, over online debating of politics. Are you going to call Obama to help you move for the third time in ten years? Call Romney to vent about your inlaws? Meet either one of them for dinner and a movie? No. Don’t sacrifice your friends over politics. If you’ve unfriended, or been unfriended, make the step, mend the bridge. We are all Americans. I still love my friends of the other party, and still would regardless of how things panned out last night. Live your life, love your people. Breathe.”

A light bulb went off. Do we truly identify ourselves as either Democrat or Republican only? Aren’t we so much more than a title? Or is that just once every few years?

I for one don’t think, “Well, I’m a mother, so that’s my title and who I am.” Hell no. I’m a lot more than that.

This particular election season was pretty brutal. I don’t know how many times I read, “You libs…” or “You conservatives…” and then something hateful would follow. Is that all we are?

As I’ve said before in posts, social media has made it so much easier to be cruel and unkind. I try very hard to keep my perspective to, would I say that to someone’s face? If so, OK, then. If not, keep it to yourself. I find that most of us are most confrontational when it’s involving both a stranger and a hot topic.

But to those who have gotten into heated debates with family and friends over the election, remember this: The first rule of friendship is YOU DON’T TALK ABOUT POLITICS. Unless you’re prepared for the backlash or you can keep it civil, is it really worth losing people over?

I’ve lived through five presidents. All different in styles of leadership. I survived.

I have many friends on either side of the political spectrum. I don’t lose respect for them simply because someone is pro life where I’m pro choice. I could care less what religion you are (given you don’t pray at Westboro Baptist.) I don’t care if you are for the death penalty and I’m not. You thought the bailout was a bad move? Cool. I hear you. You’re over unions? They are pretty archaic. You thought marijuana should stay illegal? I can see your side. Marriage equality? Well, let’s not go there. Truth is, I’ll be a little sad if you’re against gays but that’s not just a political stance, that, to me, can also be strung from some hatefulness. As can comments about  ‘legitimate’ rape.

But then again, I have ways of shutting it down. (Sorry, I had to go there. Just once.)

If you’re a kind person who just tries to get through each day unscathed, we’ll be cool. If you’re open to discussion and are rational, I’m down. I respect opinions and I’d hope that others are, too. We are all entitled to them, just be sure to check the hatefulness at the door.