True friendship should trump politics

Studies confirm that some find it perfectly comfortable to openly discriminate against those who identify with a party or political ideas opposing their own. Sadly, this is now increasingly the situation here in TT , where we have seen brother suing brother in political cause.

How does one prevent strong political disagreement from undermining relationships, forged over a lifetime, between you and your friends? Perhaps, the easiest way to stay friends is to avoid discussing politics altogether. Too often, it just does not pay to raise such issues, especially with someone who invariably gets excessively, unreasonably feisty about political affairs; adopting a right and righteous attitude.

One expects reasonably intelligent adults to be able to engage in political discourse without the conversation degenerating into belligerence or nastiness.

Regardless of political affiliation, it should be relatively easy for friends to acknowledge differences of viewpoint. And to do so rather quickly, with no pressure to compromise or reconcile ideas.

In which case, they can press on effortlessly thereafter to find common ground on other issues, based on mutual respect.

There is then no threat to that unshakeable bond which glues the friendship in the first place. This is the civility and grace sought in human relationships which underpin the understanding of the human being as a social animal.

Unfortunately, the tenor of politics in the country, emphatically displayed during the recent local government election campaign, tells a different story. It is more likely that intense acrimony will prevail in the foreseeable future.

And that polarised politics will be with us for a long time to come.

There is little hope or indication that we are nearer understanding that there is more to life than politics.

It can be very difficult, sometimes impossible, to maintain relationships with friends who relentlessly persist in trying to dissuade you from your position while zealously attempting to impose theirs.

A similar situation holds with those whose insensitivity rages as they continually belittle your point of view. Then there are others with whom political discussions are impossible without their recourse to becoming combative.

Good, longstanding friendship is built on a foundation of trustworthiness and an easy-going affability, fuelled by compassion and understanding.

Friends with different perspectives enrich each other, adding value to society as a whole.

We do not maintain relationships with our friends to change them, but rather to provide one another with alternate openings through which to view contradictions and issues; another window for understanding life.

More than that, they are our friends and we value them for who they are; their politics being but one aspect of their complex identities.

WINSTON R RUDDER Petit Valley