Post-election tensions are leading some families to reconsider who they want to spend Thanksgiving with this year. The debate about whether it’s acceptable to cut ties with loved ones over political differences has resurfaced following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory. Some people are choosing not to celebrate the holidays with family members who supported Trump, while others are being excluded from family gatherings for backing him. The country’s increasing political and cultural division has made it harder for some to face the holidays with friends and family who have opposing views. This animosity has been growing since Trump’s first victory in 2016 and has escalated in recent weeks.
Public figures have weighed in on the issue, stoking the flames of discourse. The division in the country has been driven by hatred of the other side rather than love of one’s own side, exacerbated by Trump’s polarizing figure. Some are opting out of family Thanksgiving plans to protect their mental health, while others are receiving multiple Thanksgiving invitations from strangers due to family divisions. Excluding those who violate social norms is a common instinct, but finding a way to coexist with those who differ fundamentally is crucial for societal functioning. Former hostage negotiator Scott Walker is hosting a public hotline on Thanksgiving to help families defuse political arguments, offering advice on how to engage in productive conversations without letting ego run the show. In a time of heightened tensions, being curious and open-minded about different perspectives at the dinner table can help bridge divides.
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