The Current | Vol. 31 Issue 15

November 17, 2020 | nsucurrent.nova.edu 10 Opinions Is it right to let politics get in the way of friendship? During this current election season, tensions seem to be extremely high. It feels almost as if the country is divided right down the middle with each side representing their chosen candidate. This election, of course, is a little different. It doesn’t look like it’s split between the Republican and Democratic parties, but rather people who want everyone to have rights and people who don’t, which is frightening. I recently realized that a lot of people on social media are posting about how they had to stop being friends with someone because they did not see eye-to-eye on politics, getting several comments saying that they’re a bad person for doing that and that it’s crazy that these people can’t have friends that they disagree with. Honestly, I do not agree. I think it’s perfectly fine and understandable for people to distance themselves from friends that do not share the same political views as them, especially during this climate that we are in right now. Obviously, it is okay for you and a friend to have disagreements. For example, it’s okay to disagree on favorite movies or favorite food, but it is not okay to disagree on the human rights that everyone is entitled to. As a Black woman in America, I could never be friends with someone who was on the fence about whether or not my life matters. I’m the kind of person that doesn’t like discussing politics because it’s an overwhelming topic. However, I know the basics of which side agrees with what and it’s important to me to share my time and energy with people who care about my well-being and everyone else’s. If you’re friends with someone who doesn’t agree with the same political and social views as you, it’s definitely up to you on whether or not you want to continue being friends with that person. It all depends on your morals and what you seek in a friend. However, if you believethat that person’s morals are just not right, then letting politics get in the way of friendship is totally fine in my book. Use it or lose it As the end of the semester draws near and the final months of what can only be described as an unprecedented year play out before us, I cannot help but reflect on the things I have learned and the lessons I will take away from 2020. With its share of ups and more downs than I’m sure any of us would like to count, it’s clear that no matter your experience, there is a lot to be learned from this year. As I have listened to my friends, family and peers echo an excitement for a fresh start in the new year, I am struck with the gravity of what a “fresh start” means. While there are plenty of things I want to leave in 2020, when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, I think it’s important to remember everything that got us all to this point, good and bad. Fresh starts are important, but they are only effective and meaningful if you take what you have learned and apply it, not forget it. Like philosopher George Santayana famously said, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The notion of a fresh start in itself is idealistic, holding with it the hope that whatever lies ahead is better than what we left behind. Although with much trepidation, I too hold the hope that 2021 can be a better year than 2020, but I think the only way to do that is to remain realistic about what that “better” world is going to look like. As 2021 is a symbol of a fresh start for everyone looming in the near future, it’s important to remain realistic about what the year will bring. COVID-19 isn’t going to miraculously disappear like Cinderella’s ball gown when the clock strikes midnight. Racial and political hatred, climate change and other pressing issues aren’t going to go away either. No matter how much we want them to, things aren’t going to change unless we acknowledge that they still need to. If we pretend that our problems, big or small, can be fixed by a tick of a minute hand, we are in for a surprise. So when you wake up on Jan. 1, go outside, put on your mask and interact with your friends and families, remember to take with you the lessons you learned and the challenges you overcame during 2020. You can be hopeful that a lot of things change, but unless we all make a conscientious effort to affect change in our own lives, it won’t happen. By: Jaden Wilson Contributing Writer Odds are, as a college student who has been exposed to college culture, you may have experienced a toxic relationship or two. The good news is, I’m here to tell you that you should never have to experience one if you don’t want to. In simplest terms, a toxic relationship is a relationship between two people where there is conflict, coercion or any sort of unresolved tension. They don’t always have to be in relation to dating, it could be a friendship or simply a person you work with. If you are like me, it’s the relationships where we are too emotionally invested that blindside us. To see the warning signs is not easy. That’s why it is important to assess, remove and remember the signs of toxicity so you are sure not to repeat the cycle with others. To begin, if you think you’re one half of a toxic relationship, you might be right. If you’re with someone who makes you feel bad about yourself, that’s usually a sign that you shouldn’t be with them. You may try to justify your partner’s negative actions. Everyone gets jealous, right? Everyone lies here and there, right? Many partners hit each other, right? The truth is no -- not when they care about each other. When a person cares about you, they should speak the truth, respect your boundaries and ensure your well-being. If a person violates any of these concepts, they don’t deserve to You need to cut ties in toxic relationships “ Fresh starts are important, but they are only effective and meaningful if you take what you have learned and apply it, not forget it. By: Emma Heineman Features Editor By: Siena Berardi Sports Editor remain in your life. Being in a bad relationship can also have negative effects on your physical well-being. Personally, I experienced stomach pains, nausea, and overall, lethargy. These bodily functions don’t occur when you’re happy and safe. To remove yourself from your situation, you must identify your issues and decide whether you want to work on them or leave. A great way to cut off ties with a toxic person is to set boundaries. Let them know how you feel. it is not your job to save anyone. It is your job to ensure your own happiness and safety. Overall, if you are ever unhappy in a relationship, platonic or sexual, you have the ability to change that. Don’t ever feel like you have to stay. life’s too short to spend time with people who don’t value or respect you. So, go out into the world and love fully. Find a person who listens, cares and treats you as an equal. You should never settle for anything less from another human being. If you or someone you know needs help or think they may be in a toxic relationship, call the confidential domestic abuse helpline at 1-800-799-SAFE or contact NSU’s Title IX Office for resources and information.