How to Cross the Student Political Minefield
by Liz Roberts - 2nd December 2019
Talk politics without losing friends or alienating people
It’s December! The season for giving, Mariah Carey, drinking bubbly for breakfast and of course – heated political debates. For many students, this will be the first general election you will be
(a) able to vote in, and
(b) have to deal with the absolute minefield that is politics on campus.
So, from someone who’s been through all this before, what are some of the explosive topics, and how can you defuse any of the ticking time bombs that will inevitably come with having any opinion on anything?
It’s no secret that campuses are hotbeds of liberalism, with a recent poll from Youthsight showing that 43% are planning to back Labour and 22% the Lib Dems in the upcoming election. Outside of university, the two parties poll at 30% and 15% respectively at time of writing.
Given that, no matter whatever your political views, sooner or later you’re going to come across someone who is likely to disagree with them. Be you blue-hearted, a Corbynista or Swinson…maniac (???), how should you handle it, hear a different point of view and maybe make a new friend from across the divide?
If you’re to the left…
The good news is you won’t be short of people who share your opinions.
That means you can enjoy the fruitful flow and exchange of ideas. It’s uni, that’s why we’re here right! But, while you’re enjoying the aforementioned fruit, perhaps take a minute to make sure you don’t get a bit too wrapped up in it.
One minute you’re discussing the tangible benefits of renationalising the railways, the next you’ve ruined Christmas dinner by calling your Nan a child-killer because she reads the Mail.
Take a breath, take a step back, and try to consider the other side of the argument. Remember, deep-down your Nan’s quite sweet, isn’t she? She did get you Maltesers after all. With that in mind, approach the (albeit lesser spotted) student Tory with the respect that you would like to be approached with. Try to engage in some dialogue. For instance, listen to their point of view rather than just talking at each other.
You never know, you may even change their mind with well-constructed points supported by evidence. A reasoned conversation is much more effective than shouting ‘F*ck Boris’ at them. Screaming expletives at them will probably just push them further away aaaaand suddenly we have a country more divided than ever before and Brexit happens and now everyone hates each other.
Long story short, respect your fellow students, even if they are in the minority who lean to the right, someday they could buy you Maltesers for Christmas too, maybe.
If you’re to the right…
OK, I’m gonna be honest with you folks, you’re not gonna win any popularity prizes. That means you’ve got two options: either embrace the hate and morph into some kind of Trumpian parody or be the bigger person and refuse to rise to the abuse which will (inevitably) find its way in your direction.
That guy
Now maybe you like Trump, and caricatures, and being hated, but I’m gonna take a stab in the dark that you probably don’t (even if you sometimes play up to the big bad wolf image with your mates).
On the assumption you are now trying to engage with a left-leaning student, how do you deal with having ‘posh twat’ shouted in your face when you suggest that Corbyn’s spending plans are unaffordable and unrealistic?
You have evidence. The Conservative Party prides itself on being the safe pair of hands for the economy. Pragmatists rather than idealists, so be pragmatic. Don’t get into a contest of ideals (you start a bit behind the eight ball on this I’m afraid). It’s probably also wise to steer clear of contentious topics (Corbyn’s alleged anti-Semitism is going to be the conversational equivalent of lighting a tyre on fire. Bringing it up won’t achieve anything). Instead, stick to areas where you can speak positively and with confidence about what the Tory party is proposing.
Far too often both sides campaign on negativity and throwing empty phrases at each other. I for one am already tired of hearing meaningless earworms like ‘Coalition of Chaos’. Even the term ‘oven ready’ is making me feel nauseous, which is annoying when it comes to making chips.
Buck the trend and discuss politics on a positive footing. You probably won’t win anybody around, but you’ll give people food for thought and you may just make campus a more civil and rounded place.
Different doesn’t mean ‘bad’
Whatever your inclination, I would strongly encourage you to have a respectful discussion with someone different to yourself. It’s only through civil debate we can learn from each other and become better informed and rounded human beings.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to have your mind changed on a certain topic. Just because you identify as Labour/Tory/UKIP/Change UK (anyone? At all?) it doesn’t mean that you have to religiously stand by everything that the party does. You can vote Labour and criticise Corbyn’s record on Antisemitism or the IRA. Likewise, you can vote Tory and not be impressed by 9 years of austerity and under-funding the NHS.
In the interests of full disclosure, this will be my third General Election: in the first I voted Tory; in the second I voted Liberal Democrat; and this year I fully intend on voting Green – living proof that people can and do change political affiliation throughout their lives.
Don’t forget to vote. Vote responsibly and be kind to each other. People, it’s already a tough world out there.
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay