Talking Politics Over The Holiday? Try Greek Mythology

My students at The University of Texas at Austin recently had a spirited debate about justice. How do we balance fairness and compassion in our judicial system? Which is more important? How do we decide? My students are not studying political science, law, or philosophy, but Greek mythology. Mythology offers valuable lessons about how to have a meaningful dialogue without breaking the bonds that join us together. These lessons may come in handy around holiday dinner tables where family members who love one another may find themselves at odds about difficult issues. Like the ancient Greeks, my students have found that tough current issues - such as immigration and refugees - are easier to grapple with through the lens of a mythological tale about a time and place long ago. Every student in this class understands why mythology is relevant. Their discussions about these ancient texts are preparing them not simply to pass a test, but to consider a range of viewpoints on difficult issues and to be more thoughtful and engaged citizens of our democracy.