Political polarization causes a great deal of negative feelings today. I think a lesson I learned from sleazy garage rock dive bar bathrooms can help.
Or more specifically, a tale of two bathrooms.
For a couple years I worked as a corporate consultant, teaching software development for big organizations. Usually I'd go to their premises, but once I had to go to a "co-working" space.
There were laminated signs in the bathrooms talking about how they supported trans issues and anybody could use any bathroom they wanted. At the end they said if you didn't like it, "we invite you to challenge your preconceived ideas about gender."
Listen, I support trans folks, and that phrasing still gets on the fighting side of me. Someone formulated that phrasing with great politesse, because while it's technically polite, the subtext is clearly obviously EFF YOU.
Contrast this with the sign at Sun Tiki Studios here in Portland. "If you don't feel safe for any reason, please message us on Facebook or talk to a staff member."
Garage rock as always embraced weirdos of all stripes, from the left wing, right wing, and chicken wing. They know they can't possibly agree with everyone's politics; but they can agree with everyone's right to the pursuit of rock 'n roll happiness.
When people feel their values get threatened, their fear turns into anger, and they want to fight. Fights don't solve problems though, they just end with consequences.
Please talk. Please rock and let others rock alongside you.