Ellen and Bush’s friendship inspires positivity

By JOSEPH LANGLEY

Staff Writer

Last Sunday, Oct. 6, well-known comedian Ellen DeGeneres sat next to former United States President George Bush at the Cowboys v. Packers game in Dallas, Texas. Social media erupted, as DeGeneres is a known Democrat and Bush is a Republican. Many questions arose from people who were confused as to why these two completely different people would sit and laugh together while enjoying the game.

DeGeneres took to her daytime talk show the following Tuesday to respond to the controversy surrounding her questionable friendship. To start the show, DeGeneres began with a reality check for her viewers.

“Just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be friends with them,” DeGeneres explained. “When I say be kind to one another, I don’t mean only the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone. It doesn’t matter.”

Her mic-drop quality dialogue shook up social media again, as people honored DeGeneres for providing a peaceful and understanding lesson for humanity. People in today’s world take their beliefs too seriously, and let them get in the way of friendships and relationships.

Politics has always been extremely prevalent in society and provided barriers amongst people, but it doesn’t always have to be that way within everyday social interaction. DeGeneres uses herself as an example, why would a lesbian democrat be friends with a former republican president?

It’s because Ellen DeGeneres has the right attitude.

Politics shouldn’t determine friendships or relationships. Many people in this country, and the world, could take a few notes from DeGeneres.

“I feel like regardless of what you believe in, you should be able to be friends,” said senior communication major Alex Caldas. “People are people regardless of their beliefs.”

This nation, among others, tends to often forget that people are still people no matter their opinions. Citizens neglect to accept one another as fellow human beings, especially with the political chaos that is occurring right now in the United States.

Senior business major Andrew Halmrast agreed with DeGeneres.“I don’t think you should choose your friends the same way that you choose the politics you follow, and the politics you believe in,” said Halmrast. He continued, “Just because someone believes in something different than you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be friends with them or shouldn’t reach out to them. We are all people who think differently. Perception is everything.”

We all look at things differently due to our different experiences and upbringing and that should be respected. We all have friends who are different from us, and we still call those people friends at the end of every day. Living on a college campus, we live in an accepting community where opinions can be shared safely, and friendships can be made despite different beliefs and backgrounds.

DeGeneres’ commentary was bigger than politics, it’s a basic dissection of moral value. She didn’t ask to be put on a political pedestal either. Senior religion major Sarah Carlton said, “I think it’s unrealistic to put celebrities on a politically-correct pedestal that they didn’t ask to be on.” DeGeneres’ comments weren’t for establishing herself as politically-correct, they were for bringing society back down to earth.

We, as an entire civilization, can learn from Ellen DeGeneres’ words. Instead of revolting and condemning one another, we should soak in the positivity of life on earth with whomever we encounter in our life’s journey. Beliefs shouldn’t infringe on any relationship; there is enough toxicity and hate in today’s world. Be kind to one another, love one another and accept one another. If you take the time to do these things and remain positive, this world will turn into a much better place in the future.