Before coming abroad, I was told that due to the circus of an election in the states, I would constantly be asked about politics. That is certainly great for me because I love discussing hot-button topics with just about anyone. Though I was not questioned too much by people in Vienna (likely because they don’t speak English), I had several discussions in Budapest.
Of course once the introductions have been made (“Oh I’m from the states…” and so on), many people automatically throw down Trump’s name. Lovely, my favorite! One conversation in particular was shared with a soon-to-be-newlywed Scottish drunk man. While my friends are drinking beer and discussing anything other than politics, I land a conversation with a fella about gay rights and gun control. From what I could *barely* understand when he spoke, he was most certainly a liberal. Which is by all means fine, I tend to lean in the more liberal direction. However, this Scot was devout in his belief that you cannot trust Clinton. Which is fair, you probably can’t. But this led to his bantering and begging for me to vote for Trump. Sorry, it’s not gonna happen.
Initially, I’d shared with him that I have family in Texas. This is where the topic of gun control began, a topic of which I have strong opinions. While he proceeds to throw Republican ideals my direction, I am slowly regretting involving myself in this conversation. I honestly just wanted to eat my Nutella pizza in peace!
However, as I look back on this conversation, I realize how much I appreciate the experience. Everyone has different opinions and values. While some may have a closed-mind and are not open to discussing politics with people of different views, others bring something else to the table and inform me of things I may not have considered. I once discussed gun control extensively with a friend from school. So extensive that we watched YouTube videos to inform us more on the subject. In that conversation, my opinions wavered due to my slight ignorance of other factors. So beforehand, I was unaware of the difference between an automatic and a semi-automatic gun. However, now I have more knowledge, and a shifted mindset, due to discussions shared between people with different opinions.
I look forward to more discussions with Europeans, as they certainly have different opinions from my own. As we talk, discuss, and share, I can learn and grow in my opinions for the impending circus of an election we are about to have… 🙂
