One thing I often find interesting in mainstream media—maybe you do too—is how outlets like the New York Times and the Atlantic tend to write columns about avoiding conservative family members during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even July 4th.
The underlying theme in these pieces is pretty consistent: your relatives, like Grandma with her right-wing beliefs, or Uncle Steve, create an emotional burden, so you might feel justified in skipping out on any meaningful connections.
Some articles go as far as suggesting that liberals should entirely steer clear of their family and friends. There was even a striking piece in the Los Angeles Times about it that stands out in my mind.
Throughout recent years, those skeptical of the Covid vaccine have often been a prime target in liberal discussions. But now, David Litt, a former speechwriter for Obama and definitely a part of the liberal establishment, seems to believe it might be a mistake to completely dismiss conservatives and the vaccine skeptics.
In a new piece for the New York Times titled “Is there a time to stop snubbing right-wing families?” he raises some important points.
Personally, I’ve never thought avoiding family based on politics made much sense, though I understand it might seem easier.
In his article, Litt shares how for a long time, he tried to dodge conversations with his brother-in-law, Matt, who notably chose not to get vaccinated—a decision that Litt found troubling. He notes, “We were on opposite sides of this cultural divide. The most significant difference was our views on vaccination. When Matt opted out, it puzzled me, but I didn’t completely lose my cool.”
To his credit, Litt acknowledges it was misguided to distance himself from someone in his family just because they disagreed. He argues that this kind of siloing only reinforces divisions, suggesting that we now only interact with those who mirror our beliefs, forgetting that we used to converse without politics being the hurdle.
I’m on board with this perspective, and it’s refreshing that Litt realizes avoiding political discussions isn’t necessarily beneficial. He even admits to being wrong.
However, isn’t it important for him to recognize that his primary concern with his relatives stemmed from a strong belief in the validity of the Covid vaccine?
In his piece, this progressive writer fails to mention that ultimately, the decision to get vaccinated is personal and doesn’t directly reflect on the health of others.
Litt argues that not getting vaccinated compromises the social contract, but isn’t it also true that pressuring people into vaccination under the threat of job loss is more damaging? That’s what former President Biden attempted until the Supreme Court intervened.
While I appreciate that liberals like Litt are willing to acknowledge that losing friends and family over politics is problematic, I would like to hear more about the specific wrongs in his reasoning.
But rest assured, for my liberal family and friends, I don’t plan to avoid connecting with you because of our differences.
