It is no secret that the divide between conservative and liberal political groups has become increasingly severe in recent years. It is nearly impossible to turn on a television news program without hearing one side bash the other. It is highly unlikely to walk away from a political argument unscathed emotionally, and even sometimes physically. Both adults and children have become bullies and victims, occupying the entirety of the political spectrum. This hostility from both sides has led to a growing fear of voicing political opinions. Everyone has an opinion, but many choose to keep it to themselves. According to a survey answered by 79 LHS freshmen, 21% have hidden their true political opinion from their friends or family, and 22% percent have been bullied or judged for their political stance. Freshman Olivia Ackerman shared, “There’s definitely this fear of saying how you really feel. Everyone is so quick to judge lately, so I usually don’t share my political standpoint.”

Despite political beliefs, it is undeniably true that President Donald Trump has, in recent years, become an extremely controversial topic. From his policies, to his personal life, to even his appearance, opposing political groups have been doing everything in their power to take down the President, whom they feel is unfit to rule the country. Peaceful rallies and protests held day in and day out have shown America the beauty of its democratic freedom; whereas, violence has shown the destruction that can ensue from such liberties.  

In states that are traditionally liberal, such as California and New York, most who oppose President Trump appear fearless in their position, unafraid to debate and unflinchingly present themselves as liberals. While some conservative Republicans have rushed to defend their political party, others have found safety in hiding, hesitant to voice their stance for fear of judgement, ostracism, cruel assumption, and even violence. One anonymous source stated, “I’ve never told my friends that my parents watch Fox News because I know they’d make a judgement. I hear the way they talk about other Republicans in the school like they’re racists or something, but I’m completely not.”  

Recently, heated debates such as the extent of abortion rights and gun laws have aided in the divide between liberal and conservative groups. In addition to this, age-old stereotypes continue to cloud the minds of those who are politically active, particularly the impressionable youth. In regard to social policy, Republicans are known for their pro-life stance and strong belief in second amendment rights. Democrats, on the other hand, have been beacons of social change since the 1970s, campaigning for pro-choice rights and anti-gun laws. Liberals have attacked conservatives, including President Trump, for their stance on these issues, likening them to Hitler. Conservatives have attacked liberals, labelling them as extremists and even Communists. The former two statements are facts. The latter are merely exaggerated and greatly falsified stereotypes. Another anonymous source stated, “My parents are big conservatives, but I’m much more liberal. It’s not worth getting into an argument with them even though I disagree with so many of their beliefs.” 

In Jan. 2019, Nick Sandmann, a high school junior from Kentucky, became nationally labelled as the “boy in the Make America Great Again Hat who mocked a native American man.” A video of Sandmann and his classmates shows them joyous and grinning after a pro-life rally while Nathan Phillips, a native American man, chanted and banged a drum in front of them in attempt to “diffuse the situation,” claimed Phillips, according to NBC Today (www.today.com). Many immediately turned to social media to express their dissent, and some even sent the Sandmann family death threats. While this intense backlash to Sandmann may have been a misinterpretation of his actions, perhaps the hateful response was instigated by his MAGA hat, a symbol of the conservative political movement. 

In 2019, the terms “liberal” and “conservative” have lost their fluidity. They are used to define a person wholly, as if one’s political beliefs are an automatic default into a specific moral category. The current political climate has fueled a society of hatred, judgement, and assumption. There are only two options, no compromise. So, it must be asked, is it better to speak or to hide? Choose wisely.