Politics & Perception

Let’s start with something simple but often forgotten: no politician is ever 100% right about everything. Not the ones you support, not the ones you oppose. They’re human, flawed, ambitious, sometimes sincere, sometimes strategic. And yet, in today’s climate, we’re often pushed to treat political figures like moral absolutes. Heroes or villains. All or nothing.

But reality is more nuanced than that. And if we’re honest, most of us aren’t forming our political opinions in a vacuum. We’re absorbing them, often unconsciously, from the media we consume, the conversations we hear, and the ideologies we’re surrounded by.

The Narrative You Didn’t Know You Were Following

Millions of people get their political perception from news sources that lean in a specific direction. Whether it’s a cable news channel, a podcast, or a social media feed, these platforms don’t just inform, they shape. They decide what stories to highlight, what tone to use, and what language frames the debate. Over time, this creates a narrative. And whether or not you recognize it, that narrative begins to shape your own.

According to recent studies, media bias influences not just what we think about—but how we think about it. The framing of a protest, the tone of a headline, the omission of certain facts—all of these subtle choices guide your emotional response. And when you consume only one side of the story, you’re not forming your own opinion. You’re adopting someone else’s.

The Cost of Borrowed Beliefs

Here’s the problem with following a narrative that’s been implanted in your mind: it chips away at your individualism. You stop asking questions. You stop challenging assumptions. You start repeating talking points that aren’t really yours.

And maybe that doesn’t seem like a big deal. But over time, it becomes harder to tell where your beliefs end and someone else’s begin. You lose clarity. You lose ownership. You become a reflection of the ideology you’ve absorbed, rather than the person you truly are.

This isn’t just about politics, it’s about identity. It’s about living your life with your own understandings, not someone else’s. It’s about holding your own principles, morals, and values, even when they don’t align perfectly with the party line.

Staying Grounded in Your Own Values

Supporting a politician doesn’t mean surrendering your judgment. Disagreeing with one doesn’t mean rejecting everything they stand for. Your values should be the compass, not the politician.

When you stay grounded in your own identity, you gain clarity. You’re able to say, “I support this policy, but I disagree with that one.” You’re able to recognize when your values are being used as leverage, and when they’re being honored. You’re able to see facts for what they are, not through the lens of loyalty or outrage.

This kind of clarity is rare. It requires humility, curiosity, and the courage to stand alone when necessary. But it’s worth it. Because when you hold your own identity, not the world’s view, you become harder to manipulate, harder to polarize, and more capable of meaningful dialogue.

A Gentle Challenge

So here’s a gentle challenge: look for facts, not opinions. Don’t go along with a group just because it feels familiar. Don’t let a biased book, a charismatic podcaster, or a sensational news anchor do your thinking for you. Ask questions. Read widely. Listen deeply. And then decide for yourself.

Politics is messy. People are complex. But your voice, your true, informed, individual voice—is powerful. Use it. Protect it. And never trade it for someone else’s script.

-- Justin Bailey