Politics and the Weather
14July 15:44H Posted by James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
As a child, my grandfather used to say that people should never discuss politics, but rather that they should talk about the weather. Lately, it seems when I talk to my friends and politics is brought up, the conversation can become tense. It seems this is a common experience among people based on information I have been told. I am unsure if this has always been the case or if this is a part of today’s world.
As a person who prides himself as being a tolerant person, I do wonder why I struggle to discuss politics with my friends. I determined that when my friends discuss their world views, it is not that their perspective is different from my own, it is that they tell me their opinions are fact. I do not appreciate when my friends tell me I should experience the same emotions that they have regarding the political topic being discussed. When reflecting on this experience, I also began to realize that I have told my friends that they should believe what I believe and I experience a similar emotional response to the political topic that I am discussing. I remember my friends being agitated when I approached them in this manner.
Moving forward, I plan to work on not bringing up politics with my friends unless I am in a place where I am able to have an open dialogue and hear their ideas and perspective. In addition, if my friends approach me and I believe they are telling me their political ideas are a fact, I will ask them if they can have a conversation where mutual ideas are discussed. If they are not able to participate in a respectful conversation, I will politely suggest an alternative subject. I hope that by remaining calm and respectful I am able to have less tense conversations with open dialogue. There are times when I know I am not in a place to have a conversation with my friends when they have different views. However, I hope that during times when both my friends and I are in a space to listen, that perhaps we can influence each other and have a greater understanding of each other’s ideas and viewpoints.
James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Having grown up in the North Shore area, Jim brings a familiarity of the community to the practice. He has been with Attention to Wellness for over a year and has over 16 years’ experience working with both adolescents and adults.
Jim has provided treatment in a variety of clinical settings to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, conduct issues, and other mood disorders. He brings six years’ experience working in court systems with youth on probation who were at risk of being removed from their home, and their families. Jim also brings experience providing anger management and drug counseling groups within multiple schools. Currently, Jim also works at a high school providing social work services to students who have an Individualized Education Program.
Jim’s approach with both adolescents and adults incorporates techniques from strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy to help clients identify and eliminate barriers that inhibit them from achieving their goals.
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