Prior to a class on Tuesday evening, some friends and I stood in the hallway discussing Stephen Colbertís persona.† In high school, I thought the Democratís caricature of a right-wing conservative was sincere.
It was during this discussion concerning the intersection of entertainment and politics that another student approached.† She was on her way to another class.† Having overheard our conversation, the student commented that she, too, had once been under the mistaken impression of Stephen Colbertís politics.† I was sure one of the other students in my group knew this person, so we began to talk.
The conversation turned to Fox News and how it had covered Colbertís presence at the White House Correspondentsí Dinner.† Eventually, I began talking about the issue of how some of the channelís correspondents are directly involved with the Tea Party Protests.† The student, whose name I never learned, informed me that I dislike Fox News now that Barack Obama ó ìa president you like,” she said ó is in the White House.† A few harsh words later, the girl went to class.
This confrontation confused me.† Her beliefs arenít surprising ó a lot of people share them ó but who was this girl?
No one in my group seemed to know.† She could have been a confused student under the influence of her parentsí conservative ideology or a right-leaning individual sincerely frustrated by the new administration.† How did this discussion of Stephen Colbert touch a nerve?
Until this peculiar altercation, all of my interactions with McCain-supporters have been neutral.† While disappointed with the outcome of the election and the beginning of Obamaís administration, these individuals have been, with little variation, furiously polite toward my beliefs.† I listen to their critiques of Obama, some of which are well deserved, and they try to listen to my half-baked, ìlefty” ideas, which is very nice of them.
In my elementary schoolís library, I used to check out a series of books on etiquette every week. I just remember liking the illustrations.† I doubt reading this series of books, however, has instilled me with unrealistic expectations concerning politeness in public conversation, regardless of whether it involves a hot button topic like the Tea Party Protests.† Or Stephen Colbert.
I still believe itís completely possible for people with opposing viewpoints to engage in clear, civil discussion, just as I believe itís possible to engage in discussion with someone while not knowing his or her name.
Gillian Daniels is a regular contributor to the Voice. She can be reached for comment at GDaniels10@wooster.edu.