Just as ordinances have banned noxious cigarette and cigar smoking in public places, perhaps the time has come to similarly prohibit political statements and conversations. The other day, after finishing work earlier than expected, I dashed to the knitting store, where a relaxed, joyful feeling always comes over me as I peruse the shelves of variously colored skeins and touch them to test the yarns’ soft, silky, or nubby texture.
I had been vaguely aware of women chatting softly while knitting at a table in the back of the store, but suddenly a palpable shift in the atmosphere distracted me and interrupted my pleasurable meandering. Although I had no interest in knowing what was being said, nonetheless I couldn’t escape hearing certain words that let me know the topic was highly political and divisive. Immediately, my blissful mood was doused as if by cold water. Two days later, this happened again while waiting for a group exercise class to start. Two of my typical go-to places for peace and relaxation were no longer sacred.
In this intensely polarizing political environment, which is creating a greater need than ever for people to carve out times, places, and activities to de-stress, I think we need to be more mindful of polluting the air with toxic topics as well as smoke. The inability to escape from politics is just as much of a health risk as inhaling secondary smoke.