The American Taboo and Its Impact on Learning: Building Tolerance with More Politics, Not Less

Abstract Today’s political environment continues to become more polarized as Americans find themselves taking sides on controversial issues. While this is certainly not new to the American democratic experience, the way we as a country are combating it is. With the nation engulfed in a political maelstrom, people are forgetting how to have a civilized conversation with those who have opposing viewpoints. To inspire change, we must work with students in an educational setting to promote tolerance. But rather than limit controversial arguments involving politics, it is important to encourage these discussions so that we can prepare future generations to have the skills required to engage in meaningful political discourse. Only then can we strengthen our nation while weakening the divide that continues to plague our country on a daily basis.