Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes
Alex Alexander
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Taking Political Action and Being a Connector Instead of an “Online Warrior”
During the pandemic, like many others, I felt politically charged, and I channeled this energy into being an online warrior. On social media, I reposted it all, making it clear where I stood – only to realize this wasn’t my highest use. I wasn’t actually reading the books or taking the actions. I wondered: what could I do instead? That’s how I ended up here. Real community requires something most Americans are terrified of, which is compromise. It requires letting go of the “all-or-nothing” mindset and finding common ground. It means being willing to give up some of our freedoms for real security and support. Today I share some of my political beliefs and what I’ve been doing instead of being an “online warrior.” I’m not saying this is how you should show up. It’s just how I do. At the core of it all, my fundamental belief is this: as humans, we need to care more about each other. In this episode you’ll hear about: My own political beliefs regarding religion, gun reform, human rights, climate change, marriage equality, church-state separation, human services programs, etc.Pitfalls of simply reposting political content without taking action and the importance of having meaningful conversationsThe danger of polarization and the “all-or-nothing” mindset and the importance of finding common ground to foster understanding and connectionThe power of small shifts, plus three things I’m doing in my everyday life instead of being the online warrior Resources & Links Read the book I quote in this episode, Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick. Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok! Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out!
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