Tom Candela and his friends have been playing Dungeons & Dragons together since 1986. They would often rent a hotel in the Catskills for weekend-long gaming sessions filled with camaraderie and junk food. However, their long-standing tradition faced an unexpected challenge in 2020 when political differences disrupted their friendship.
Candela was the only member of the group who voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 election. This difference came to a head during a Zoom game session when Candela’s close friend and dungeon master, Steve, referred to him by his real name instead of the nickname they usually used. This shift in tone alarmed Candela, leading him to reach out to Steve, who ultimately sent an email expressing that he could no longer be friends with Candela due to his political stance.
Michael Youssouf, another player, was taken aback by the fallout. He reflected on how their friendship had been built on shared experiences and the many things they agreed upon, despite their political disagreements. Youssouf emphasized the importance of focusing on their commonalities rather than their differences.
In their conversation, both men acknowledged that certainty in beliefs can limit relationships. They expressed a desire to reconnect and continue their gaming tradition, highlighting the need for understanding and acceptance in a time of division.
The discussion was part of StoryCorps’ One Small Step program, which aims to bring people together to discuss their differences and find common ground. This initiative encourages open dialogue, reminding us that friendship can endure even in the face of disagreement.