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This is an article I wrote a little while back...I'd love to know what you think! Let me know in the comments below. I’m an Aussie living in the south-west of England. But most of my work these days is with people in the USA. I regularly come into contact with people from different sides of the political spectrum and the overwhelming thing I’ve noticed is this:Each side thinks the other side is evil. Not just silly, misinformed, a bit wrong, or misguided…but actually evil. If each side thinks the other is evil, where does that leave us? Where does it all end up? Civil war? What can be done about it? Is it hopeless? Those who don’t take the red vs blue stance, believe that both sides are controlled by other forces beyond them. The banking cartels, the deep state, the illuminati etc etc. But ultimately, the effect is the same. “My opinion is right and yours is wrong”. Clearly, direct political action like protesting has a negligible effect. Voting, even when handled legally and fairly is mainly directed towards the 2 party system. But many on both sides believe that the election process has been hi-jacked anyway (by the other side, of course). I believe the solution lies closer to home. And I’m not talking about “finding peace in yourself before creating peace in the world”, although this has its place. I’m talking about seeking a new way forward with the people we disagree with. Try this on for size: Next time you’re having a conversation with someone who disagrees with you, listen to them. I mean, really listen to them. Try to actually understand their thought processes. Aim to be able to argue their case better than they can. Put aside your own opinions for the duration of the conversation. Decide to hang them up on the hook like a coat. Don’t worry, they’ll still be there when the conversation is over. In fact, your opinions will raise their head continually throughout the conversation, usually in the form of a strong desire to contradict, tell them they’re wrong, yell, scream or maybe even lash out. That’s ok.