How to Talk Politics and Still Stay Friends

Is it possible to talk politics without the conversation ending in bruised egos and hurt feelings? Is politics, like religion, a  subject too taboo  for the holiday gathering or family function? And if someone does unexpectedly start to talk politics at your dinner table, what should you do? Republicans. Democrats. Libertarians. Greens. Neocons. Ultraliberals. Americans are a diverse bunch, and theyre growing increasingly polarized and seemingly more unable by the minute to talk politics in a civilized manner. Usually, a fight breaks out when the topic turns to the upcoming election. Here are five ideas for how to talk politics and still stay friends with your partisan pals. Cite Facts, Not Opinions If you absolutely must talk politics, one way to avoid messy confrontations is to steer clear of opinions and instead cite facts. Dont say, for example, that you think all Republicans are insensitive or all Democrats are elitists. Steer clear of painting everyone with such a broad brush. If you find yourself engaged in political debate while trying to enjoy the Thanksgiving turkey, use facts to gently back up your position. This will require some preparation and study the night before a get-together, but a policy discussion that centers on facts and not opinion tends to be one that is more thoughtful and less likely to end in a brawl. Disagree Respectfully Dont shake your head in disgust. Dont interrupt. Dont sigh like Al Gore did during his debate with George W. Bush in 2000. Dont roll your eyes. Dont be a jerk, in other words. There are at least two sides to every debate, two visions for the future, and yours isnt necessarily the right one. Let your sparring partner have his say, then explain in an even tone why you disagree. Do not use the phrase, You are wrong. This makes the disagreement personal, and it shouldnt be. Stick to the facts, be respectful, and your holiday gathering should be a smash. In a good way, of course. The bottom line: Agree to disagree. See the Other Side Lets face it: If you were right all the time, youd be president and not that other guy in the White House. Theres a chance youre wrong about some things. Its always good to see an argument through your sparring partners eyes. Occasionally, should you feel the need to extinguish what appears to be an escalation of the political rhetoric, stop and say to your friend, You know, thats a good point. I never looked at it that way. Dont Take It Personally So you and your pals or in-laws once disagreed over how President Barack Obama had handled the economy, or whether Mitt Romney really understood the middle class. Who cares? That shouldnt have an impact on your friendship. The bottom line: This is isnt about you. Get over your bruised ego or hurt feelings. Move on. Embrace your differences. Theyre what make America great. Keep Quiet If you really dont have anything nice to say, as the old maxim goes, dont say anything at all. This is especially true when talking politics. If a civil discussion of the issues is impossible with your friends and family, its best to keep quiet. Even if they raise force the issue, stay silent. Shrug your shoulders. Duck into the bathroom. Pretend to be distracted by the song playing in the background. Whatever it takes, keep your thoughts to yourself. For silence is the best policy of all in the long run.

The Problem Of Race And Race - 921 Words

Whether it’s filling out forms for the doctor, financial aid, or even job applications, the one question that we almost unconsciously answer is the question of race. Race is a prevalent and influential part of our everyday life that surprisingly many do not even understand. What is race? For years race has been used as a tool in the subjugation of human populations on the perceived notion of biological superiorities. Race by definition is a population â€Å"that develops distinct characteristics differing from other populations of the same species†, while these variations may have social and cultural implications, genetic evidence suggests race has no biological significance (Biology-online.org, 2014). Humans began their diaspora from Africa about 70,000 years ago (Newsreel.org, 2014). Since then, we have stretched to a variety of geographic locations in every corner of the world. A biological definition of race advances the idea populations within species have discerni ble characteristics compared to other populations, thus suggesting the presence of sub-species under Homo sapiens. This has been falsified by many scientists. Dr. Alan R. Templeton says â€Å"there are not enough genetic differences between groups of people to say that there are sub-lineages of humans† (Fitzpatrick, 2003). In fact, the genetic differences between individual humans are entirely small about 0.1% (Humanorigins.si.edu, 2014). Human populations have not been geographically barred nor isolated from oneShow MoreRelatedRace And American Culture : The Problem Of Race1338 Words   |  6 Pagesthey represent a living system. In America there are different cultures. Each culture has its advantages and disadvantages. The current problem or issue is on the problem of race in American culture. 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Physiological Reason Behind Texting and Driving Free Essays

But a few days later that same student, while driving, would hear their hone chime and reach for it without second guessing their actions. Humanity is attached to technology, mainly cell phones because of their vast capabilities which lead people not to think about the ramifications cell phones could create, particularly when they are used while driving. People who refrain from cellophane use while driving usually ask: â€Å"Why would someone text and drive if they knew the numberless consequences it could cause? â€Å". We will write a custom essay sample on Physiological Reason Behind Texting and Driving or any similar topic only for you Order Now Believe it or not a majority of the population, especially teenagers have a psychological need to use their cell phones. Human beings have not Just a desire, UT an uncontrollable need to socialize with other people. When people communicate with others they find a sense of self-identification, while also getting a sensation of acceptance, and recognition. Even the Supreme Court has recognized that in today’s society testing has become an important way of self-identification; which is how one person pictures themselves with someone else. The mind yearns for relationships with other people, and people nowadays maintain steady contact with their friends and family through technology. Humanity is willing to go too certain extent to talk to people due to their need to associate with others. One of these common extents includes multitasking such as: watching television and testing, doing chores and testing, and even driving and testing. Another psychological need of the human brain consists of the yearning to feel wanted and belonged. By receiving Just one text message, a person consciously or even unknowingly feels these two sensations. They begin to feel wanted and belonged because their mind realizes another person wants to engage in a conversation with them. Many teens have what official identified as problematic phone use which known to be caused by several psychological variables. A study conducted by Adrian Bianca and James G. Phillips proved that one’s self-esteem, neurotics, age, and gender are determining factors in the amount of time one spends on their cell phone (Bianca, Adrian, and James G. Philips). All of these factors are different for each person which is why some people abstain from testing and driving, and others do not. In a different study by three doctors it is proven that there are three indulgences earned from testing, and these gratifications leads to addiction (Young and Connected). The three indulgences are: self, social, and security. These indulgences lead to what doctors refer to as a behavioral addiction to testing. Doctors also say an addiction to technology is not easy to overcome. This addicting behavior gives anyone the ability to communicate practically instantly with another, giving them a sense of belonging. A majority of the population admits to going to a certain extent to talk to friends and family by simply testing and driving. A sense of belonging or fitting in emits positive, addicting feelings that many people wish for. This identifies why some people, mainly teenagers, find it difficult to immediately stop testing and driving. Testing brings emotional benefits that indicate a psychological need to text, no matter the situation. More people should come to the realization of the myriad consequences testing and driving could cause. The most well-known consequence of testing at the wheel is car accidents. Also, the primary consequence of testing and driving is getting in an accident. The United States Department of Transportation proved that testing and driving makes the driver twenty times more likely to get into a car accident (Federal Ban on Testing for Commercial Truck Drivers). The chances of getting in a crash increase dramatically when a driver uses their phone due to the fact that the human brain cannot completely focus on two different things simultaneously. Testing and driving not only puts the driver’s life in danger but the passengers’ lives as well. If a driver gets into an accident due to testing and driving they could easily kill or injure another person typically resulting in a Jail sentence. If a driver gets into an accident that was their fault and ended up hurting or injuring someone they would feel pure guilt, an amount of guilt that no one should have to deal with. Right alongside the guilt the driver would get a sense of regret. In the back of their headed the accident would always linger and they would begin to think: â€Å"The text wasn’t that important, if only I waited until I got home, I wouldn’t have hurt another human being. † The large amount of regret could even cause psychological problems that would take time to erase. Along with the probability of accidents, and the psychological effects, testing and driving is also against the law. Only seven states in America have no restrictions on testing and driving while the other forty-three have various laws regarding the subject. Some laws ban all cell phone use, and others ban it for children under the GE of eighteen. If a driver breaks a law concerning cell phone use the driver could be fined or even get license suspension. Drivers should refrain from testing and driving due to the innumerable consequences it could lead to. The chance of someone growing up to text and drive is determined by their parents driving habits, other drivers, and their age level. Without even knowing it, parents easily influence what kind of drivers their kids are going to be. If a child constantly sees their parent on their cell phone while they drive the child will begin to think it must be okay to text and drive because their parents do. Two thirds of high school children say their parent or parents text while they drive, thus meaning, these children will most likely text and drive. Another factor that influences a driver’s habits includes other driver’s behaviors. When teens first start driving and see other drivers being careless by testing while driving, they deem it acceptable. By seeing strangers, and even friends text and drive a beginner driver starts to think that the act of testing and driving has no ramifications. Seventy one percent of drivers text and drive end up unknowingly influencing others drivers (WAIF). Teens typically text ND drive more than older people due to their high level of self-confidence. In this generation, teenagers typically believe they are invincible. Therefore teens believe they can handle testing and driving. Truthfully the human brain cannot focus on two things at once, but the stubborn teenagers of this generation refuse to believe in the incapability of multitasking. There are many organizations and inspirational speakers that are country wide trying to reach out towards teenagers to engrave the possible consequences of testing and driving into their minds. A major organization is Stop the texts. Stop the wrecks funded by Ad Council. They have collaborated with the office of State Attorney Generals and the National High and the National Highway Traffic Administration to gain more power and have a more profound effect on people. Their campaign includes Public Service Advertising on the radio, television, and social media platforms. On their website they have tips and tactics on how to change the negative behavior of testing and driving. A website, funded by the government, known as D! Striation takes the motto â€Å"One text or call could wreck it all. † The United States Department of Transportation has banned testing and cell phone usage for immemorial drivers and encourages states to make laws against cell phone usage while driving. The website does an effective Job of informing their audience about the epidemic, how to get involved, and how to keep the roadways safe. Since we do live in the twenty-first century there are solutions to technology, with technology. A well-known app is Phonograph, which disables the ability to text while traveling over ten miles per hour. This application can also notify parents or another adult when the device is traveling at an unsafe speed. Testing and driving has become a well- now problem and people are trying to find ways to prevent it, but even where there are solutions there has to be a person willing to make a change in their behavior. Humanity’s technological advances have so many good qualities that people do not want to realize its downfalls. Cell phone usage while driving is caused by the psychological benefits of testing, and the influence of other drivers. Drivers around the world should be more aware of the consequences testing and driving causes, and how much trauma an accident can produce. Humanity should realize there is a time and place for testing, and driving does not happen to be one of them. How to cite Physiological Reason Behind Texting and Driving, Papers

Antonio Essay Example For Students

Antonio Essay Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice on March 4th, 1678. Though ordained a priest in 1703, according to his own account, within a year of being ordained Vivaldi no longer wished to celebrate mass because of physical complaints (tightness of the chest) which pointed to angina pectoris, asthmatic bronchitis, or a nervous disorder. It is also possible that Vivaldi was simulating illness there is a story that he sometimes left the altar in order to quickly jot down a musical idea in the sacristy. In any event he had become a priest against his own will, perhaps because in his day training for the priesthood was often the only possible way for a poor family to obtain free schooling. Though he wrote many fine and memorable concertos, such as the Four Seasons and the Opus 3 for example, he also wrote many works which sound like five-finger exercises for students. And this is precisely what they were. Vivaldi was employed for most of his working life by the Ospedale della Piet. Often termed a n orphanage, this Ospedale was in fact a home for the female offspring of noblemen and their numerous dalliances with their mistresses. The Ospedale was thus well endowed by the anonymous fathers; its furnishings bordered on the opulent, the young ladies were well looked-after, and the musical standards among the highest in Venice. Many of Vivaldis concerti were indeed exercises which he would play with his many talented pupils. Vivaldis relationship with the Ospedale began right after his ordination in 1703, when he was named as violin teacher there. Until 1709, Vivaldis appointment was renewed every year and again after 1711. Between 1709 and 1711 Vivaldi was not attached to the Ospedale. Perhaps in this period he was already working for the Teatro Sant Angelo, an opera theater. He also remained active as a composer in 1711 twelve concertos he had written were published in Amsterdam by the music publisher Estienne Roger under the title lEstro armonico (Harmonic Inspiration). In 1 713, Vivaldi was given a months leave from the Ospedale della Piet in order to stage his first opera, Ottone in villa, in Vicenza. In the 1713-4 season he was once again attached to the Teatro Sant Angelo, where he produced an opera by the composer Giovanni Alberto Rostori (1692-1753). As far as his theatrical activities were concerned, the end of 1716 was a high point for Vivaldi. In November, he managed to have the Ospedale della Piet perform his first great oratorio, Juditha Triumphans devicta Holofernis barbaric. This work was an allegorical description of the victory of the Venetians (the Christians) over the Turks (the barbarians) in August 1716. At the end of 1717 Vivaldi moved to Mantua for two years in order to take up his post as Chamber Capellmeister at the court of Landgrave Philips van Hessen-Darmstadt. His task there was to provide operas, cantatas, and perhaps concert music, too. His opera Armida had already been performed earlier in Mantua and in 1719 Teuzzone and Ti to Manlio followed. On the score of the latter are the words: music by Vivaldi, made in 5 days. Furthermore, in 1720 La Conduce o siano Li veri amici was performed. In 172O Vivaldi returned to Venice where he again staged new operas written by himself in the Teatro Sant Angelo. In Mantua he had made the acquaintance of the singer Anna Giraud (or Giro), and she had moved in to live with him. Vivaldi maintained that she was no more than a housekeeper and good friend, just like Annas sister, Paolina, who also shared his house. In his Memoires, the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni gave the following portrait of Vivaldi and Giraud: This priest, an excellent violinist but a mediocre composer, has trained Miss Giraud to be a singer. She was young, born in Venice, but the daughter of a French wigmaker. She was not beautiful, though she was elegant, small in stature, with beautiful eyes and a fascinating mouth. She had a small voice, but many languages in which to harangue. Vivaldi stayed to gether with her until his death. .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 , .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .postImageUrl , .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 , .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:hover , .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:visited , .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:active { border:0!important; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:active , .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50 .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u870b216e37eda346530a9498b6c57d50:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Supply and Demand in the Gasoline Market Essay