The Gaslighting of the Word “Politics”

I just ended a longstanding pseudo-familial relationship over the issue of requiring face masks in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Two weeks ago, I put an end to a three-decades-old friendship with a childhood companion over police brutality and race relations that have nothing to do with me. I permanently ceased contact with my own aunt last year over LGBTQ+ rights (I’m straight). In each of these situations, I…