Politics is considered a “forbidden topic” in etiquette guidebooks, often lumped with sex and religion. Political discussions have always been combative, but now they seem deeply divisive and frustrating. Unfortunately, avoiding these difficult discussions helps no one. Our actions, our votes, and, yes, even our words can change the world.
The Straw Dog Writers’ Guild recently asked me to conduct a Zoom workshop on political writing. My first thought was, “Who am I to give advice about something so contentious?” Yes, I’m an author and writing teacher, but my most important qualification for this subject is that I’m a citizen who cares. When we care, we have the responsibility to disregard the norms that limit discussing politics in polite company. I enjoyed the workshop immensely, especially listening to other caring citizens talk about their attempts to improve the world through their writing.
I support recycling, be it cardboard or ideas, so I thought I’d share my workshop guidelines for writing about political issues. Hopefully, these suggestions can help empower our voices as agents for change — and keep us from getting blocked by distant relatives on Facebook!
First, connect politics with personal values. Politics often seems abstract and impersonal, but that’s a misconception that can lead to frustration and a sense of hopelessness. As cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Writing about politics based on a coherent sense of personal values, combined with empathy for the values and experiences of others, can change the world for the better.
Second, know the issues through reliable sources. Consult primary sources when you can. Listen to a president’s speech instead of relying on what commentators say about that speech. Read a proposed bill instead of indulging critics who lie about that bill. Find media sources that have proven largely accurate over the years. Traditional journalism isn’t perfect, but it strives to represent reality and explore implications. Agenda-driven media begins with a specific viewpoint and then twists reality to fit that agenda. Opinion without evidence leads to terrible writing and even worse citizenship.
Here’s a simple way to evaluate political claims. Google the issue at hand with the words “fact check.” That will often lead to fact-checkers such as PolitiFact, Fact Check, Snopes, along with traditional journalism such as NPR, AP, the Washington Post, and CNN. These fact-checkers consult experts, primary sources, and the full context of information and events, providing a starting point for honest discussions.
Republicans sometimes consider fact-checkers biased, but the evidence shows that Republicans lie more than Democrats on issues large and small. Good journalism requires calling out dishonesty, regardless of criticism from those who perpetuate misinformation.
Third, use social media to incubate ideas. Social media can be more than just cat videos, memes, and selfies. Your posts and comments can pose issue-related questions. Use the responses to generate more questions and explore your thoughts on these issues. These spontaneous idea exchanges and short bursts of passionate writing can provide rich raw material to craft coherent writing about important subjects.
Fourth, know your audience. Empathy is essential for productive exchanges about politics. Are you writing to someone who agrees with you, disagrees, or is neutral? Authentically try to understand what motivates someone with a different perspective. Look for areas of agreement and plant seeds for long-term understanding instead of expecting to change minds immediately.
Also remember your indirect audience. You may be addressing someone who holds an opposing view, but other readers may be neutral or new to the topic. If you write with an open mind and a civil tone, this indirect audience will be more likely to take you seriously. If you ignore obvious facts and/or focus on insults, then you’ll risk alienating everyone involved.
Insults and “trolling” (purposely degrading the quality of discussion to incite and /or distract) are rampant these days, even in the highest levels of government and media. We need to rise above “trolling.” Maintaining civil discussion can be a challenge in the face of attacks, but it’s worth the restraint.
Fifth, use humor. Nothing brings an issue into focus like gentle humor, especially when it’s based on verifiable facts. A soft poke in the ribs is often stronger than a punch in the gut. But sometimes a punch in the gut is required. That’s when skillful satire is a good option for exposing nonsensical actions and ideas. Remember to “punch up.” Satire works best when aimed at people abusing power.
Have I always abided by these guidelines in my political writing? Of course not. Don’t return “evil for evil or reviling for reviling,” is a Bible lesson I learned in Sunday School and strive to relearn every day.
As author Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” That’s especially true when we use language to make the world a better place. Bulwer-Lytton also famously wrote, “It was a dark and stormy night,” an apt description of today’s politics. We can navigate this “dark storm” of political dishonesty and oppression with the power of well-informed and resolute linguistic resistance.
John Sheirer is an author and teacher who lives in Florence. His new short story collection, “Stumbling Through Adulthood,” will be available later this summer. Find him at JohnSheirer.com.