Political polarization in America has gone beyond debates and ballot boxes, driving wedges between loved ones and turning neighbors into adversaries. As ideological divides deepen and tensions escalate, can we find a way to reclaim civil discourse, or are we destined to live in a nation where division and distrust define us?

In such a polarized political environment, the loudest action you can take is saying nothing at all. If people want to make assumptions about your character based on stereotypes, your ethnicity or even your age, let them.

Farming is due for a rebrand where implementing new techniques, technology and perceptions of the industry can help create an attractive career for the next generation. Farming is more fundamental than ever, so if we start paying more attention to it, we can reliably support those who do the work.

The moment someone announces they’re about to tell a joke, the audience is braced to expect a laugh. It’s a setup, a planned situation where the comedian’s only job is to get a reaction. This makes the jokes feel fake, as if the performer cares more about their delivery than actually connecting with the crowd. True humor usually comes from unplanned, spur-of-the-moment situations that aren’t trying to be funny — they just are.

We don’t live in a time when teachers retire at 90 years old anymore. The citizens of Texas — or whatever state you’re from — can make a difference in these numbers by signing petitions and voting for candidates who will stand up for education.

When we were kids, the words “bud” and “buddy” were terms of endearment. But as a college student, those terms feel demeaning, rude and belittling.