Carly Scott | Argonaut
A frequent sight on campus is the bearded man who stands outside of the library and yells about his opinions. The correct term for him would be something between street preacher and religious activist. While he is entitled to his opinion, his presentation is all wrong.
His ideals are so extreme that only a small portion of people passing by agree. Those who dare contest his opinions make him even stauncher and more assertive. He won’t be swayed, and he will impolitely argue with said contester. His arguments don’t resemble a logical debate — they nearly always consist of yelling over the opponent or trying to twist their words into something they didn’t say.
However, though both his methods of argument and presentation of his opinions are offensive, he still draws a large crowd whenever he shows up on campus. He’s a spectacle. Though the “street preacher” seems like an isolated event, he mirrors exactly what’s wrong with communication in society today.
Without a doubt, the 2016 presidential election has been one of the biggest political spectacles in recent decades. Instead of being presented with just one extreme, people have been presented with two. Anti-Trump activists can’t believe that people would consider voting for what they consider a racist, sexist and bigoted candidate. The anti-Clinton activists can’t believe people would vote for what they consider to be a sleazy and dishonest candidate.
Both sides are so impassioned about their opinions that there isn’t much room for compromise. Like the “street preacher,” they spend their debates yelling over each other and distracting from any real debate. Amidst the yelling, the important ideas are lost.
No one wants to hear that their ideas are wrong. Even before the circus that is this election, political parties were at odds. It’s as if political ideals are the Titanic. Except, instead of getting rescued by a different ship, Americans cling to the shards of their sinking one.
In a 2015 Pew Research Survey, they found that over 40 percent of Americans identified as independent. This signifies that maybe Americans don’t want to go down with their ship. Maybe people are a little more willing to compromise than their representatives give them credit for. Maybe people are more abhorred with the presentation of ideas then the ideas themselves.
Both parties have something to contribute to a balanced, healthy country. However, when their figureheads represent sensations instead of idea sets, it’s time for a change.
While Clinton and Trump yell over each other, people should focus on things they can change on an individual basis. They should let their individual voices be heard within the framework of our political system.
Just under 30 percent of eligible Americans even voted in this primary election. To put the icing on the cake people now moan, groan and argue about their options — even though it was within their power to prevent it.
People need to learn how to compromise — stop yelling over each other, take a second and listen to ideas.
Carly Scott
can be reached at