The current presidential election has Americans divided and angry.

There are prominent fractures within both the Republican and Democratic parties, and this is evident through the actions of their followers.

Most people following the news know about the violence that occurs at Trump rallies. Slate posted an article on its website with a list of 13 accounts of violence at the notorious rallies dating back to October 2015.

Although a large portion of the anger stems from Trump’s hateful rhetoric, an equally large portion comes from the rest of the politically involved citizens.

Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton supporters are no exception.

It is no longer safe to express support for one candidate while surrounded by followers of another candidate.

The Los Angeles Times reported the story of a superdelegate in support of Hillary Clinton. He was reportedly called during the early hours of the morning and told he was “stealing democracy from the citizenry” by supporting Clinton.

Sanders supporter Dr. Paul Song also used the term “corporate Democratic whores” to encourage voters to cast ballots in favor of Sanders. Although the Vermont senator condemned the language and Song later apologized, the fact that this language was used is a problem in itself.

Social media is a dangerous platform during the election, as well. Political memes have flooded the internet, and the comments on political news articles posted to social media are vulgar and embarrassing.

Supporters from every candidate take to comment sections to insult other candidates—and even supporters of the opposition.

Although we are guaranteed freedom of speech in America, we need to find a way to soothe our angry political personalities that have surfaced during this election.

People have a right to their opinions, even if they are unfavorable.

Friendly debates using facts and understanding are great for swaying voters to join your cause. Yelling and name-calling only create more problems.

Just because the political candidates yell at and insult each other does not mean the general public has to follow suit.

We need to be more understanding and civil as a country if we wish to uphold the democracy.

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