Talking Politics
Critical Analysis in AP Government and Thanksgiving
Based on the visual above, as of 2018, what portion of Americans said that talking about politics with people they disagree with is generally stressful and frustrating?
Based on the visual above, as of 2018, what portion of Democrats said that talking about politics with people they disagree with is generally stressful and frustrating?
Do you find that talking about politics with people you disagree with is generally more stressful and frustrating, or interesting and informative?
Based on the data from the visual below*, what portion of all respondents said they avoid sharing their political beliefs at Thanksgiving?
America has become a bit of an echo chamber and I am very infrequently in a situation where people around me are expressing an opposing view politics in general. When was the last time you were in a position where those around you were expression an opposing view of politics?
This Thanksgiving, are you likely to be in a position where those around you are expressing an opposing view of politics and if so, what do you plan to do?
Please respond to the following claim made by my student, Balthazar: Before Trump no one ever disagreed about politics and the presidency.
Have you ever lost a friend over a disagreement about politics?
In 2021 President Biden pardoned two turkeys named Peanut Butter and Jelly for Thanksgiving (see video below*). Article II, section 2 of the Constitution allows the president the power to, "grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." Does the Constitution mention turkeys????
This year’s turkeys were pardoned on November 21, 2022 and are from the great and very purple swing state of North Carolina. Do you think the origin of these turkeys was a coincidence?
Learning Extension
Here is a guide to avoiding politics at Thanksgiving
Here is an argument about why you should NOT avoid politics at Thanksgiving.
Action Extension
Take part in this Pew interactive survey, paying careful attention to the reasons people gave for their speaking out or for their holding their tongue. Then make a plan of attack for what you’ve going to say about politics this Thanksgiving.
Visual Extension*
Last year President Biden pardoned to turkeys named Peanut Butter and Jelly for Thanksgiving. Here’s the video.
