A recent article in *New York Magazine* discusses the idea of distancing oneself from President Donald Trump and his supporters. Political writer Sarah Jones argues that it’s completely acceptable to disengage from family due to political disagreements. In her words, “It’s okay not to reconnect with your Magazine relatives.”
Jones believes that a neutral stance in relationships is unrealistic, stating that it’s sometimes correct to sever ties in light of political differences. She uses a personal analogy, mentioning that if her parents were unkind to her LGBT friends, she wouldn’t hesitate to block them. The effectiveness of cold shoulders in politics may be debatable, but there are still natural consequences for our behaviors and speech.
This perspective responds directly to a guest essay by David Litt, a former Obama speechwriter, who had called for liberals to stop abruptly cutting ties with conservative family members. In his piece for *The New York Times*, Litt reflects on a familial experience with his stepbrother, which prompted him to reconsider his previous distancing from relatives. He notes that this separation can lead to manipulation by demagogues, ultimately resulting in divisiveness and even violence.
Jones responds to Litt’s plea by critiquing the notion of politeness as a form of absolution. She mentions that finding balance in family gatherings should not mean ignoring pressing political disagreements. Claiming that “politics didn’t stop at the family’s entrance,” she suggests that, while it’s understandable to wish for neutrality, drawing boundaries is necessary.
Recent discourse reflects a broader trend among some liberals urging Democratic members to avoid families that support Trump, especially during holiday get-togethers. This sentiment cropped up shortly after Trump’s election, with some commentators suggesting that distancing from such family members could be beneficial for mental health. The idea, as echoed by co-hosts on *The View*, is that family should not automatically qualify for your time and emotional investment, particularly in the wake of significant political unrest.
