I did not vote this election cycle, but that is because I am not a citizen and thus not allowed to. As a matter of fact, I have never been allowed to vote in American elections. In the aftermath of this election, naturally, individuals and families alike are going through a range of emotions. Some are happy, while some fear for their lives going forward. Echoing the sentiment of President Joe Biden in a recent speech, is not my place to make normative judgments on the results of the election. The American people have spoken and chosen a path for the next four years. Nonetheless, the topic of this election is likely to creep into conversation for most families’ Thanksgiving meals. While we may be wary of that certain uncle or aunt with their outspoken views, it is important to recognize that it is not that deep. This is not to trivialize the importance of political conversation and civic duties in general, but rather a call to understand what family and politics mean, and whether they are meant to go hand in hand.
Elections often spark heated debates, especially when the results feel personal or divisive. It’s natural for these emotions to spill over into family gatherings, where political differences can feel amplified. Yet, it’s crucial to step back and recognize that the bonds we share with family members often go deeper than our disagreements. Political ideologies may shape our worldview, but they don’t have to define our relationships. Family, in its ideal form, is a space for love and support that transcends partisan lines. By choosing to focus on shared values, mutual respect and understanding, we can preserve the connections that truly matter, even amid disagreement. After all, it’s those enduring bonds that make family special, not political alignments.
Thanksgiving is a time of year for togetherness, thankfulness and family, for reflecting on the year gone by and the year ahead. Every four years, Thanksgiving is just that extra bit more tense due to a presidential election. This election in particular has taken a lot from the nation, a lot of time, energy and money (record amounts raised and spent by both parties). One thing we must not let this election continue to take from us is our family. Family is important to a lot of people, but less so for others. Both perspectives are entirely justifiable without needing to be explained. As we approach Thanksgiving, we may face an encounter with that politically overenthusiastic aunt or uncle who insists on bringing up their, perhaps, not-so-favorable opinions on what the government should or should not have a say in. Political conversations and debates can be strenuous, taking an emotional and mental toll, especially when it is with a family member. Trying to find a balance between maintaining relations with members of your family is a fine line. But it is important to remember that not all family members are necessarily worth the time, effort and emotional distress that a political conversation or perhaps even a political argument might lead to. At the end of the day, it is important to recognize that Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and thankfulness, not for arranging political debates. You might even remind certain family members that if they feel so strongly about their political views they ought to take up a job at Fox or CNN, whichever suits their fancy, of course. This Thanksgiving, focus on what makes your family come together, your shared values, whatever they may be, your shared memories — hopefully positive — but do not let one election ruin relationships for a lifetime.
Ultimately, that might not always be the case. Blood is not thicker than water, and if it is in your best interest to simply not engage with this political rhetoric that is so divisive, just leave, or ask the family member to. Or, even better, don’t acknowledge it, don’t agree with them, don’t engage, don’t argue back because in some cases it is simply better to pick your battles.
Combining family and politics can be touchy, yet it is in our family that we may find our peace, warmth and home. If that is not the case for you and your family, then f— them and you do you at the end of the day. Family is meant to be there for you, not to put you down, not to argue with you about your political beliefs.