Convention or Conviction – Political Etiquette

Convention or Conviction – Political Etiquette

In America, we all recognize the political season that awakens a large percentage of previously inactive people every four years. Having been politically engaged since I turned 18, I've witnessed a steady decline in civility over the years. Born just after the Civil Rights movement and the era of Jim Crow, my upbringing was shaped by religiously devout yet politically disengaged parents. Apart from the obligatory photo of JFK, MLK, and Robert Kennedy Jr. in my grandmother's back bedroom, there was little sign of active political involvement.

Over the past four decades, significant advancements have been made for the descendants of enslaved people. While some wonder how we've reached our current state of polarization, I ponder how we so quickly reverted to it. The trail is clearly marked: I remember when the Tea Party was considered a fringe element of the Republican party. I recall the Watergate scandal and its impact, as well as the Clinton and Monica Lewinsky affair. These scandals seem minor compared to today's political landscape.

I was raised with the mantra of not discussing business, religion, and politics together. Before the rise of social media, adhering to this guideline was more feasible. After Obama's win, I was quickly admonished to remove my celebratory button at work, and political discussions were limited to lunchroom chatter. Politics rarely penetrated the office environment.

Having been out of the corporate world for nearly eight years, I no longer worry about such constraints. Now, the challenge is navigating social media's "lunchrooms." What is appropriate to share, and where? LinkedIn is my primary platform, and although I don't have an official business page, I conduct much of my business there. I'm grappling with how to reconcile my convictions with the conventional wisdom of keeping personal and professional identities separate.

Is it disingenuous to rant on X and TikTok, belong to extreme groups on Facebook, and then present oneself as fair and unbiased on LinkedIn? This question applies to both sides of the political spectrum. As I reflect on these issues, I wonder if times are truly changing or if we are simply witnessing a recurring cycle.

I would appreciate hearing your respectful thoughts on this topic.

Here are four ways to maintain political etiquette on social media (ai generated, but I agree)

• Digital Diplomacy: Practice respectful and tactful communication when discussing political topics online. Avoid inflammatory language and strive for constructive dialogue to foster mutual understanding.
• Virtuous Voicing: Share your political views with integrity and honesty, ensuring your comments are based on facts and personal principles rather than rumors or misinformation. This builds trust and credibility.
• Polite Posting: Maintain a courteous tone in your posts and responses, even when disagreeing with others. Use polite language and avoid personal attacks to keep discussions productive and respectful.
• Mindful Messaging: Be aware of the impact your words can have on others. Consider the timing, context, and potential consequences of your posts to promote a positive and respectful online environment.