It’s the Dress Debate (but with Politics this time)

Written by lesabrackbill

Do you remember the blue and black dress that went viral in 2015?

Some saw it as blue/black while others saw white/gold. We were all looking at the same picture, but some saw a completely different dress than others and refused to consider that the dress could be anything but what they were seeing. The arguments went viral and spread around the world.

Spoiler: the dress is actually blue and black.

I keep thinking about this dress as I observe the state of our country today. We have achieved new levels of extreme partisanship, and that is blinding so many to the reality of what is happening.

One side sees the administration’s actions as good and right. They genuinely believe that he is looking out for them and wants the best for the country. He seemingly can’t do any wrong in their eyes.

Another side is watching in horror as he commits illegal acts and unilaterally breaks treaties, destroys relationships with other countries, and elevates a billionaire to a far too powerful position, all with seemingly no guardrails in place from Congress.

One side sees blue/black, the other sees white/gold.

And it’s impossible to convince the other side that they are wrong this time.

This isn’t by accident: we’ve been watching for years as the far-right has used tactics to isolate its followers, slowly creeping into authoritarian territory. We’ve watched evangelicals be emboldened to hate those who are different from them and elevate someone to the highest office in the land who looks nothing like the person they taught us all to be.

We’ve watched evangelicals claim to be fighting for freedom by denying freedom to others.

And for those of us left behind by the evangelicals in their quest for power, it’s obvious: partisanship has become a cult.

When I work with those interested in growing in their advocacy skills, I highlight these eight components of being an effective advocate:

Each of these are vitally important in how we approach life and being a good human, too.

Can you imagine how different our country would be if our leaders put aside party politics and put principle first? If our leaders embodied these components and worked together to solve problems instead of creating or ignoring them?

Spoiler alert: it all starts with us – you and me – as individuals.

Each and every one of us can have such an impact by implementing these elements into every conversation, every comment we leave on the internet, how we vote (principle over party), and who we vote for (candidates that do the right thing, not because they are in “our” party).

I’ve lost friends because of my nonpartisanship and my commitment to principle over party; I’ve had family members block me on social media, and the rejection has been difficult for me. But, I remain steadfast because I believe in the power it holds to unite us, to make our country a better place, and to help us each become the best we can be.

The country isn’t red vs. blue. It’s purple. It’s a rainbow. It’s a beautiful blend of varying perspectives, all seeking to do the same thing: make life better for ordinary people.

No matter which color you associate with, train yourself to think critically and to be willing to call out wrongs when you see them. It takes practice, but it’s definitely possible and I’m living proof.

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