Navigating Political Chaos
Empowered Sanity
When I was an undergrad, I took a Political Psychology class that left a lasting impression on me. The format was unique and engaging: we would delve into one political psychology topic, watch a movie embodying the principles of that topic, and write essays intertwining the film's themes with the course material.
There were several memorable aspects of the class. First, the professor had a knack for making the subject matter fun and thought-provoking. Second, I had a secret crush on my very married professor–its own kind of mnemonic, I suppose. But what has stayed with me most was the first day of class when he outlined three fundamental truths we were likely to remember long after the course was over:
People are crazy.
The truth is impolite.
Institutions are dysfunctional.
These deceptively simple statements were meant to prepare us for the mind-boggling realities of human behavior, politics, and society. My professor wanted us to grapple with perplexing questions: How did Hitler amass so much power? How could an entire regime carry out such atrocities? Or, how did feminists and activists help to overthrow the Iranian Shah only to support a new government that–initially unbeknownst to them–would curtail their rights even further?
He explained that human denial and cognitive biases often prevent us from seeing the whole truth. People do not always think, speak, or act rationally, and institutions—composed of inherently flawed individuals—are prone to dysfunction and corruption. These truths, though uncomfortable, have proven invaluable for understanding the complexities of political and social systems.
A Personal Encounter with Institutional Dysfunction
My first brush with institutional disillusionment came from an unexpected place: my university’s financial aid office. They were excellent at helping me secure loans but abysmal at educating me about loan interest and the long-term risks of borrowing. When I graduated and started repaying my loans on a job that barely paid above minimum wage, the reality of my financial situation hit me like a ton of bricks. In that moment, my professor’s second and third truths—"the truth is impolite" and "institutions are dysfunctional"—resonated deeply.
A Classroom Conflict
On the second day of class, one of my peers challenged the professor, accusing him of saying something offensive. He responded candidly, explaining that this was a political psychology course, and we would be discussing emotionally charged topics—this would not be the last time someone found his words upsetting. Within moments, the student gathered her belongings, stood, and stormed out of the room.
This incident stuck with me as a microcosm of the challenges we face in discussing polarizing issues. It prompts deeper reflection:
Have you ever chosen a side in a conflict like this?
Do you align with the professor’s candor or the student’s indignation?
What might have been gained if they had stayed in dialogue instead of disengaging?
Sane and Conscious Curiosities
What if the professor and student had taken the time to share their perspectives with curiosity instead of reacting? Could they have found common ground, despite their differences? Could unconscious biases or assumptions have obstructed their ability to understand each other? These questions are worth considering in our increasingly divided society.
Responding with Empowered Sanity
When we react out of fear, bias, or assumption, we contribute to division. This is particularly difficult when our identities or values feel threatened. However, responding consciously does not mean ignoring harm or suppressing strong emotions. It requires practicing three key principles: self-responsibility, compassion, and aligned action.
Self-Responsibility
Self-responsibility is about behaving in ways that align with your values without getting entangled in blame or victimization. It means recognizing your power to impact others and using that power to make a positive difference while minimizing harm. While it’s natural to feel anger, fear, or sadness, these emotions need not justify harmful or judgmental behavior. Instead, we can channel our energy into constructive actions that reflect our principles.
Compassion
Compassion for ourselves and others is a powerful antidote to division. It starts with recognizing our shared humanity: most people, regardless of their views, want safety and belonging. Compassion does not mean tolerating injustice; it means directing our energy toward constructive solutions rather than perpetuating conflict. Blame may feel satisfying in the moment, but it rarely leads to meaningful change. Instead, we can ask, “How can I make the biggest impact while causing the least harm?”
Aligned Action
Aligned action involves using your time and resources to advance your values. Not everyone can lead marches or donate large sums, but everyone can contribute meaningfully. This might mean joining activism groups, signing petitions, voting, or simply fostering respectful conversations in your community. Small, intentional actions can create ripples of change.
The Role of Social Media
Social media, much like driving, emboldens people to act in ways they wouldn’t in person. Algorithms amplify our confirmation biases, feeding us content that reinforces our beliefs and stoking outrage to keep us engaged. This distorted reality fosters hypervigilance and fear, making civil discourse even harder.
As a therapist, I’ve seen clients hesitant to discuss politics—not just with friends or family, but even with me—for fear of judgment. Social media has taught us to vilify those with opposing views, often exaggerating the threat they pose. To counter this, we must approach these platforms with caution, remembering that they are not reflective of real life.
Final Reflection
By embracing self-responsibility, compassion, and aligned action, we can navigate political chaos with empowered sanity. This does not mean suppressing your feelings or avoiding difficult conversations. It means engaging with intention, curiosity, and respect. How we treat each other—even in moments of disagreement—shapes the future of our communities and our country.
We can protect our sanity by keeping our distance from political circles where individuals are calling others names, engaging in volatile debates on social media, and reducing people to their political affiliations–these dynamics only deepen the divide. Instead, let’s ask ourselves: How can I contribute to meaningful change while fostering connection and understanding? By answering this question with thoughtful action, we can gradually move toward a more unified and compassionate society.
Writing a political post was one of the most challenging things I've done in a while. I deliberated at length about what to share and how much self-disclosure was necessary to convey my message. My biggest hope is that you found the post engaging and are walking away with more questions than answers.This post is public, so please feel free to comment and share it with others.