Hey, no quarrelling over politics on the annual day of gratitude. And certainly not at the dinner table. Zealous debaters, are you aware that a mist of spit spews out of your mouth? I don’t know about others, but I don’t want saliva on my mashed potatoes—unless it’s my own.
There’s fodder for fussing because President Trump just pardoned Peas and Carrots, two lucky gobblers. Democrats won’t be able to resist referring to Trump as the biggest turkey in the White House. And don’t call Melania Trump a side dish. The political jokes have potential to flap ad fly around the room. So, don’t be sucked into a bashing blast over conservative viewpoints. Please refrain from barking about Trump’s tweeter tirades as you pass the gravy. Stand down from a cheering celebration about the impending impeachment fiasco and avoid choking on the Brussel sprouts. Tangents over pumpkin pie and coffee should be sidestepped.
Republicans, please resist poking fun at Joe Biden’s speech faux paus. Although, his styling and profiling do need a makeover. But avoid comparing Biden’s thinning hair to Trump’s suave hair-sprayed hairdo. The “Hate Trump” agenda by liberals should cease fire on the day in history when Pilgrims and Native Americans broke bread together. Eating crow is not palatable.
If family and friends cannot converse in civility over politics, then the host can stage her/his own filibuster until peacefulness is achieved. Declare a moratorium on derisive discussions if guests cannot play nice. If some individuals must talk political turkey, they can move it outside or to the basement. Ban snarky or partisan humor.
A 2018 article in the Mercury News discussed political bantering among siblings. “It’s hard to check those feelings at the door—even when it comes to family. Lindsay Schroedter is liberal and her brother Matt is conservative. In their house, political acrimony was as much tradition as stuffing and cranberries. Many a family dinner ended with one of them stomping away from the table. But once they both had kids they realized that family unity mattered more than anything else. Tensions have heated up in the age of Trump but their truce remains in effect.”
Little ears are listening so tame that tongue and zip those lips. Watch your words. Pompous opinions are as popular as soured milk.
A 2018 CBS News poll found that most guests have no appetite for political conversations at Thanksgiving. Only 15 percent of those surveyed were “looking forward” to talking politics.
While some clans enjoy political pelting over the corn casserole, others find it boring. Most guests want to swap stories, catch up on personal news, laugh, and eat during holiday dinners.
When fans of Bernie Saunders get riled up as the pickled beets are passed, ask them to reimburse everyone’s health insurance deductibles for 2019.
If Uncle Ernie goes on and on while pounding Nancy Pelosi, ask him to step in front of the turkey platter and take a picture with your cell phone. He’ll get the hint.
“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.”—Oscar Wilde
Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. She lives in Ohio. Contact her at melissamcolumnist@gmail.com.
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