I didn’t order politics with my sandwich 

However, these same people like to pressure me into giving up my chicken sandwiches by citing politics as their only argument. Now, I fully understand why some people may make that choice — but when my actions don’t align with theirs, they act as if I’ve not only funded the end of the world for myself and other queer people, but I’ve also killed a puppy. 

Let me provide a new perspective — by eating at Chick-fil-A, I am contributing to the salaries of dozens of employees and the franchise owner, thereby stimulating the economy. How they stimulate the economy is their prerogative, plain and simple.

That’s not to say I don’t support those who will boycott a brand due to a difference in belief systems; it is when those people push their choices onto me that the issue arises. And I’m not anti-boycott for myself either; if a business actively discriminates against people in stores, for example, then I would join the masses and spend my money elsewhere.

As the United States becomes more politically fragmented, it is important to remember that this country is supposed to be the land of the free — free for all residents to live according to their beliefs. 

To what extent is the belief of the leadership reflective of the beliefs of every individual who works for or engages with that corporation? Choosing to stay at a Marriott Hotel does not make me a Mormon, just as shopping at Hobby Lobby does not make me anti-LGBTQ+. 

To be clear, I’m not advocating for ignoring politics within everyday life — but I’m suggesting society should recognize that political views may or may not impact daily decisions of where to eat, shop, travel, etc., depending on who someone is, what they prioritize, and the circumstances surrounding the company.

However, especially as political views have become the be-all and end-all of someone’s character, when does letting someone else’s belief system govern your life, in both small and significant ways, become ridiculous?

I have an answer — it became ridiculous when homogeneity of opinion became more ideal than simply listening to what other people have to say. Diversity of thought is what makes American democracy so effective and purposeful.

Do not follow the herd simply because you are afraid of being “wrong.” Political beliefs don’t need to matter as much as they do right now, and it’s largely because the polarization has caused both sides to be vehemently opposed to hearing any opinion other than their own.

In the digital media age, celebrity and business political views will become more apparent than ever before. Everyone must decide for themselves — emphasis on the “for themselves” — if the knowledge that there is a difference in beliefs is enough of a reason for them to boycott.

People think differently from one another … shocker! Whether it varies from an economic or human rights topic, there is no limit to the number of differences between us that can separate society. 

Jackson Sneeringer is a senior at Carlmont High School in Belmont. Student News appears in the weekend edition. You can email Student News at news@smdailyjournal.com.