For Plato, politics was a means to limit disorder and tyranny. For Aristotle, it was essential for humanity. In his view, politics builds community, and belonging to a community is the ultimate means to our true happiness.
For many today, the word politics is apt to bring up a pained face rather than a smile of appreciation. The word can conjure troubling reminders of all that separates us, particularly during this election year’s negative campaigning.
I don’t belong to a political party. That said, I love our Easton community. I enjoy my volunteer work at the Historical Society but do not endorse anyone. I have been asked, and I politely decline. Sadly, community members have asked me to stay away from individuals considered troublesome because of their political views, lest I be associated with them. I’ve even been told not to post to certain Facebook groups. I have taken this advice as well-meaning and paternalistic. Though I have wondered if I was a man, would they think it appropriate to speak to me this way? Is it possible in their view that I could form an opinion by reason and experience without their admonishment?
For a time, these warnings caused me a certain amount of anxiety. We live in a small town, and it is hard to imagine not speaking with someone because of their political views. Do you say hi? How long is too long of a conversation? Will someone judge me based on seeing me speak to anyone in particular? Can I politely engage in chit-chat? What if they make a joke? Can I laugh? Monitoring ourselves this way is tedious, but I am not alone in asking these questions. Isn’t this a sad failure of our society to protect civil discourse and free expression?
Those who know me understand that I donate much of my time towards caring for our town’s artifacts at the Historical Society. I go out of my way to record oral histories. I interview residents, visit their homes to document landmark features, and advocate for preservation. I don’t want anyone to feel their history or views are less important than others. Every story is essential, and I aim to preserve a complete picture of our town. Everyone has implicit biases; that is human nature, but I try my best to be as objective as possible.
The Historical Society has to be a place where everyone’s story is preserved. To that end, I have attended both Republican Party events honoring town elders, and I have attended Democratic fundraisers speaking about history. Without party affiliation, I have talked easily with each group about local and national topics, and these conversations have been positive and enriching. Recently, I was invited to speak about my work at a backyard event hosted by a local conservative. I was hesitant to attend, and I will admit that some of the topics discussed expressed views antithetical to my own. Still, it was interesting to learn about and listen to the cares and concerns of these neighbors. Many of the hot-button issues in our news cycles were not addressed, and the polite conversations I shared in touched on theological terminology, music, and art.
I left feeling that there should be more exchange between political groups in town to help de-escalate hostilities. For a brief moment, I was proud of myself for facing a bit of fear. I felt hopeful that the divisions in our communities and country could be mended over backyard BBQs rather than op-eds. But as I said, it was a brief moment. Walking down the driveway to my car, I noticed a black Tesla slowly passing by with an impressively dextrous driver steering and holding her iPhone up towards the house. There I was in the driveway, standing between two large political banners, and I had to laugh out loud at the optics. What does one do when you see a neighbor taking a picture? My default brain took over, and I just smiled and waved.
I was left feeling disturbed by the distracted driver and the notion that even in our small community, we are so polarized. Based on my paparazzi moment, I do have some recommendations. Visit a group outside your comfort zone. It took some courage on my part to do so. We should support sharing ideas and listen to one another without judgment.
And there are simple ways we can all be good neighbors this election season. If you have time, visit both political tents outside the polling center. All the volunteers are incredibly dedicated. Thank them for their service. Everyone should be comfortable doing this despite their political affiliation or beliefs. Town committees, please welcome and invite the opposing and the unaffiliated to your events when possible. Create safer spaces for free speech and community building. Guess what? Better strides in this regard will help make Easton a happier place, which is a legacy we should all strive to leave behind for history.
