The Problem with “Cancelling” Conservatives for Their Political Views

Politicians intentionally divide and conquer us—we can’t let propaganda and ignorance get in the way of unity.

(Sign in Arizona. Source: Wikimedia Commons)

In today’s politically polarized environment, the following questions have crossed many minds:

• Should you block a friend on Facebook for their political views?
• Should you stop being friends with a Trump supporter?
• Should you stop talking to someone who won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine?

I’m not here to give you the answers, but as someone who has been pressured by some of my liberal friends to cut off contact with conservative people whom they don’t like — I’d like to share my perspective and why I hold it.

For starters, I’ve never blocked a friend on social media for their political views alone. I have blocked people when their political views make them mean, actively racist, hateful, unwilling to learn, and utterly allergic to logic.

I am anti-racist and anti-capitalist. I despise Trump, conservatism, ignorance, and misinformation. But I don’t want to give up on change—and that’s why I’m writing this.

Do you really know where you stand on the…