KCRW’s One Year Later has taken a new approach to political debate. On the program, we asked listeners and followers to chime in on the topics and share their own stories and perspectives. We asked you how the Trump presidency has impacted your family relationships and got plenty of stories.
Some of you shared with experiences that spoke to the divisiveness of the country,stories about bitter and loud fights or about silence, and the difficulty to discuss politics in these polarized times.
You can listen to some of these comments as part of this episode:
But there was a large and emotional response. Some of the comments are below:
Cheryl Blake from St Louis, Missouri:
“My husband and I talk less about politics now than before this particular presidential election. Neither of us could stomach Hillary, but he voted for Trump and I did not. I think we have agreed to not upset one another. We only express opinions when asked to.”
John Gulick from Eagle, Colorado:
“In our household, we have two red and two blue voters. We were split 50/50 this past year. We have disagreements on some issues that have changed, but most of all, we are still a family and its ok to disagree. The conversations usually end in laughter, so it’s not stressful.”
Ken Blystone from El Paso, Texas:
“Family is unified against Trump. We have apologized to our children and grandchildren as to what they are going to inherit. We told them we never voted for any of the crap they are going to have to put up with and pay for.”
Charles Forrest Minetree from Pacoima, CA:
“I have a difficult time with one of my sisters when she found out I voted for Obama in 2012. Right now we avoid talking about politics.”
Mike Bond from Littleton, Colorado:
“As a former left-wing Democrat who voted for and still favors Donald Trump, I have to be careful not to upset my more liberal family members. Everyone knows where the others stand. We’re united by love and commitment and don’t let other things get in the way. “
Cynthia Ciarcia from Fort Lauderdale, FL, who identifies as a democrat:
“Haven’t spoken with my brother since the election.”
Silvia Moreno from Oxnard, California:
“My father is a Trump supporter—we already had a strained relationship, but this changed everything. As a woman of mixed heritage, it’s insulting to have my father support a person who treats women so poorly and and treats immigrants as though they are not welcome. He and I no longer have a relationship. It’s impossible for me to speak to him and not be angry.”
Brynn Bogert from Iowa City, Iowa:
“Since the start of the administration my relationship with my family members has grown stronger. It forced conversations about gender identity, sexuality, and values which had been tense for a while. When it finally came clear just how dangerous the president’s words and policies are for queer Americans my family realized that we have to stand together despite our differences for our survival.”
(Photo: Matt Wade)