A neuroscientist’s guide to surviving Christmas with Trump-loving relatives
Raw StoryAs the holiday season approaches, family gatherings are set to transform homes into microcosms of the national political landscape. It’s this system that allows for nuanced discussion, helping you dissect the layers of Trump's policies and rhetoric without devolving into tribalistic fervor. A hat tops off a Christmas tree at a "Merry Christmas" rally hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the Kellogg Arena on December 18, 2019 in Battle Creek, Mich. Practicing cognitive empathy can turn a fiery debate into a constructive dialogue, enabling us to appreciate the reasons behind a family member's support for Trump, even if we don’t agree. A direct approach might be to say, “What you don’t understand is….” Such framing, especially with the use of "you," can inadvertently feel confrontational, suggesting a challenge to the listener's intelligence or worldview.
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