Station 19’s Jason George Offers Tips on Tough Conversations Over the Holidays

Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy star Jason George took to social media this week to talk about some important things that are sure to pop up during the holidays when families get together.

Jason George Offers Holiday Talking Tips

The actor took to his Instagram to talk about an issue that’s very important to him as a board member of 97 Percent, which looks to find common ground on gun safety.

“The holidays are upon us, and while it may not be a traditional year with big family gatherings and lots of cheer, a lot of us are getting together with family, virtually this year, and that comes with its own set of challenges,” he says. “I can’t help your grandma sort out her tech issues; I can barely get on Zoom myself.”

The former Sunset Beach actor goes on to talk about how with the help of 97 percent, he can offer some tips for some of the trickier topics that come up around the holidays.

“You know I’m talking about politics,” George says. “It’s been a difficult year, and it really seems like we’re more divided than ever before. But I’m here to tell you there is one issue that we’ve never been closer together on — gun safety.”

Whether you’re a gun owner or not, studies show that Americans largely believe something needs to be done about the gun tragedies that hit our nation. Getting that done, the actor notes, starts with having productive conversations. He then goes on to offer some tips on having those conversations with family around the holiday table.

“First up, and I can not stress this enough, the mute button is your friend,” the actor says. “We all know what it’s like when Aunt Donna and Uncle Joe start to get hot. Tempers run high and the urge to talk over her starts to kick in. But don’t. You want to allow everyone to get their feelings out and express their point of view. Sit back, breath and hit that mute button.”

The next step is to look for common ground. “On gun safety reform especially, we share so much common-ground, and the first step towards progress is making those human connections around our shared values,” George wrote next to the video. “We can come together to lower the temperature around this issue, but we have to start fall, so don’t be afraid to have the conversation.” Station 19 returns with all-new episodes next year, starting on March 4, 2021.