It aint Venus and Mars people - how to get along with the other side

There has been much talk of late about the ever increasing divide between liberals and conservatives, and the voracity and hatred with which they oppose the other side. Honestly, politicians have always done this and I believe the seemingly grave increase in hateful rhetoric is a product of politicians and political activists alike taking advantage of the internet and 24/7 cable news networks. In any case, the main populace need not get sucked into the polarization vacuum, as much as those in Washington want you to (since it keeps them in their jobs). Here is my advice on how to get along with the other side.

First, stop making assumptions. We have a tendency to immediately identify someone as "republican" "democrat" or "liberal" "conservative" and then ascribe to them all of the views that are expressed by the party. This is very limiting. A few days ago I had a conversation with a liberal and politically active feminist who also happened to be completel against abortions. You may say that one cannot be a feminist and be Pro-Life, but I suspect after speaking with her you would be convinced too. On the flip side, I know many Republicans on campus, and many more in my homestate of Florida, who are entirely for gay marriage - their reasoning being any promotion of monogamy and reduction in promiscuity (whether perceived or actual) is a good thing for this country. One of my closest friends campaigned for Jeb Bush and is very much a card carrying member of the Republican party - he is both gay and completely against the death penalty. You must get to know the individual - understand why he or she ascribes to a certain political view. This will allow you to find common ground.

Second, stop going straight for the divisive issues. Obviously any discussion about, for example, the issue of abortions is going to factor in a great deal of emotions and probably very little logic or basis in scientific or legal fact in the end. Separation between church and state is another harrowing issue. Just don't go there - at least not until you have a base of understanding elsewhere. Go for broader issues - dealing with healthcare and the state, use of the military during disaster situations, reducing bureaucracy (something washington never wants to discuss, whether liberal or conservative, and something the citizenry should really consider...)

Third, learn to compromise. Some say that this is the job of the politicians, but in truth, in order to temper political extremism and indeed redefine politics as it exists among the citizenry, we must learn to look at the issues from the point of view of the opposition and consider ways in which both sides can prosper. The vitriol and violent speech is a product of politicians trying to convince us that we cannot think for ourselves, and instead that we should entrust them to fight for the proverbial cause. We must look at all candidates critically and consider whether THEY are looking at the issues in the right way. Blindly fighting for a particular endstate that would be agreeable to only one segment of the population may be far more harmful than considering all sides of an issue. The politicians, by definition of their jobs, must take a side. When we consider a particular issue, however, we must consider our neighbors as well and think critically about whether either of the two endstates that the parties propose are indeed the best course of action.