Conversations at Thanksgiving dinner tables, school lunch tables and work break rooms have all seemed to be missing one important topic: politics. Due to the seemingly scandalous White House and many Americans counting down the days until the 2020 Presidential Election, The Washington Post says that you can never truly tell how someone feels about the outspoken man in the Oval Office and the views of his respective party.

In today’s society, political views could make or break a relationship, whether personal or professional. It is now more common than ever to avoid discussing the topic all together. This recent occurrence is called political escapism.

Escapism, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine.

The Trump Administration and the 2016 election as a whole brought many controversial issues, like abortion, immigration and gun control, that were not usually discussed casually into the public eye, according to BBC.

Many debates began between opposing parties during and after Trump’s election, some of which are still going on over a year later.

The easier option seemed to be to avoid debate at all costs, which about 1 in 3 people were practicing, according to Reuters.

Although it may seem like this tactic can save everyone from an unnecessary hassle resulting in a raise in blood pressure, avoiding talking about politics is truly just trying to avoid  the harsh reality that we live in. It is merely running from problems, a strategy typically frowned upon by parents and guidance counselors alike. According to Psychology Today, this behavior is self-sabotaging because one can end up turning away something positive just because they dread the conflict.  

Yet, The Washington Post says that escapism is being exercised in an attempt to save face and friendships. Reality will always be there whether we acknowledge it or not, so facing problems and disagreements head on is a much more efficient way to go through life.

Avoiding talking about politics, no matter the political climate, is a form of escapism that needs to be put to rest.