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Although it is common practice to avoid topics that may stir controversy, such as politics or current world events, when speaking, it is these very conversations that can benefit your mentee a great deal in personal growth.
The following is an anecdote from Jean Rhodes, PhD in clinical psychology:
"I was presenting findings from my research on Hurricane Katrina to a group of college students last week. From a straightforward discussion of the storm's effects on low-income communities, a surprisingly profound discussion about poverty, race, and government arose. Explanations for why those left behind were poor, led to discussions about why so many of the poor in this country have, historically, been African American. We touched on how wealth can corrupt the political process, and what contributed to the miserable failure of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We grappled with how immediate gestures of charity were no substitute for the long-term investments and citizen sacrifices needed to serve and protect all of our nation's citizens."
The matters of discussion we are trained to sidestep are those likely to promote awareness of their positions on the world we inhabit.
For millennials in particular, these conversations can occur far and few between, as interpersonal opportunities decrease with each passing generation, so it is of vital importance that mentors are able to present thought-provoking material.
Further, when mentors discuss political issues with their mentees, they demonstrate that differences don't have to function as bitter dividers. Regardless of whether both parties agree on a given subject or not, topics of interest can be tackled in a civil manner that promotes tolerance of viewpoints.
In fact, exposing students to opinions that vary from their own at a young age encourages a degree of open-mindedness and tolerance. It can also double as an example that it is perfectly acceptable to differ from any established mindset, which expands into thinking critically from their own perspective rather than readily accepting the narrative of another.
One exercise to help facilitate this brand of critical thinking is to regularly bring the day's newspaper (or select an article online) to your mentoring sessions. The mentee would be allotted time to read a story of interest and formulate their own stance on the topic. Afterwards, share your own thoughts and guide the natural discourse.
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