For years, there has been a dispute over who is responsible for setting Polish society against itself. This is particularly visible between the two largest parties, Law and Justice and Civic Platform. PiS claims that Tusk and PO are to blame, recalling, among other things, the term moher berets. PO claims that Kaczyński and PiS are to blame, pointing, among other things, to dividing people into a better and worse sort. The ruling camp uses the public media in its political struggle. The opposition is supported by commercial media.
This is only one axis of the conflict and mutual accusations. There is a constant squabble between those in power and virtually the entire opposition, a desire to spite one another and mutual undermining of almost everything. Instances in which there was agreement during a vote in the Sejm can be counted on the fingers of one hand. And so we are faced with an endless political brawl.
Unfortunately, this type of conduct often affects people’s attitudes and emotions in everyday life. It amuses some, but in others it arouses aggression and generates conflicts in their immediate surroundings, among friends and even within families. This raises the question: is it worth letting politicians draw us into this game?
Why all these conflicts?
Conflicts and emotions are necessary for parties to mobilise voters and keep them in a state of readiness, to go to the polls and vote according to the wishes of those who fuel and direct these emotions in a way that benefits them. In this way, parties control voters. From the perspective of some parties, the ideal situation is to build the broadest possible group of followers of the so-called iron electorate, who believe in their leaders unreservedly and uncritically, let themselves be carried away by emotions and are able to forgive their idols almost anything.
Labels and mudslinging
Meanwhile, political struggle is becoming increasingly brutal. The closer we get to the elections, the worse it will become. Terms such as: leftist, fascist, traitor, enemy of the homeland... are already like labels stuck onto anyone with different views, without thought, without understanding them and without restraint. This is especially visible on the Internet and social media.
Distance and reserve
That is why it is worth gaining some distance from parties, politics and politicians’ behaviour. This does not mean closing our eyes and plugging our ears, stopping following events or pretending that nothing is happening. It is more about not giving in to emotions and being aware of this political and party game. Let us remember that the primary goal of parties is to gain and retain power. It is also worth realising that politicians know that their public life is a stage, as in a theatre, on which everyone plays the role written for them by their party. This is a game played for the benefit of the party.
It is good to bear this in mind and, instead of allowing ourselves to be drawn into this game of unhealthy emotions, to go for a walk or a bike ride, to the cinema, spend time with family or meet up with friends.