There is something about the old saying, "Avoid speaking about politics and religions while in social circles." I have found this to be very true. Few things can bring out the heat in a discussion like speaking about politics to someone who is not in the same party as you are.
I find that it is safer to not discuss politics with people unless you know for a fact that they believe what you believe. I try to avoid arguing with people. There have been moments on line though where I have read something so stupid I just had to comment, but I tried to keep it nice, and short and sweet.
So do you enjoy a good debate and don't mind risking the conversation getting really heated, or do you avoid the complications that talking about politics might arouse?happy
[question posted by ladym33]responses and comments:
lolIt's funny because when I was in the store yesterday I saw on the People magazine that McCain had chosen a woman as vice president. I couldn't believe it. To top it off there was a black lady in back of me and God bless her soul she just stayed quiet. I didn't know whether to say I was for Obama or McCain(although I don't approve of women in leadership, especially the country). I don't know about anyone else but this years elections are really going to be wierd. I just told her if this is the best we got to run the country then we're in trouble. McCain is too old, his vice a woman, Obama is black but a strong man but maybe too young and not really capable of handling all this mess, and whoever his VP is I don't know. I wished he would have picked Hilary if I knew McCain was going to do this stunt. [andalond]
Yes I am 40 years old and I used to be really a career minded woman. I grew up thinking that women could handle themselves alone in life without a man. As I got older I just worked with alot of women managers that were either too career oriented that their marriages failed or the women were just too hormonal. I know women are great at doing alot of things and I honestly feel that we are more up front about things, do several things at once (multi-taskers), and so many more skills but I also know that we are supposed to take care of our families first, we talk alot, emotional, etc. I think in some cases like this, president and vice presidency, should be left to the men. Some men, especially in foreign countries don't deal too good with women in authority. Roles are changing and I don't know if I am ready to see that happen. This country is in a bad enough situation as it is. A President steps up to the plate and other countries are viewing him up and down finding his strengths and weaknesses. I read about McCain's Vice Presidential nominee and she has alot going on. I didn't read the whole thing but she'd holding a child with Down Syndrom, a daughter that is pregnant, and the magazine seem to portray her as having alot of family issues. Who is going to be there for that baby? Her daughter why is she having a baby out of wedlock? It seems old fashioned but I know that you should be able to have your house organized before you are picked to do leadership in church. People are not perfect I know. Now if Obama picked Hilary she seems more capable to be in control since her daughter is grown up and her husband was President. She looks like she would put her emotions aside because her life has shown it. Look at when her husband had an affair she stayed by her side because that was her duty to stay committed. What is your opinion? I am really interested. [andalond]
I avoid the politics one because I have my opinion and I am not changing it or going to make anyone else change it..As for the religion, well I sometimes go there because a lot of times, (this is for those who believe in Jesus, not other religions), I try to teach those about who G-ds son and how He was born a Jew and how the NT is not a replacement of the OT, but a continuation..And to know that He came for a relationship, not religion.. [carmelanirel]
Just keep praying for your husband..Everyone is on a different level and sooner or later your husband will see the truth.. [carmelanirel]
I really try to avoid them b/c I'm conservative and my friends are mostly democrats. They get completely irrational whenever we discuss anything political! I'm tired of not being able to talk to them about any of this stuff. They're such cry babies! [odwitt]
LOL, I know what you mean, and they are very unbending in their ways, and believe every little bit of everything that comes out of their candidates mouths. I don't agree with everything that my chosen party stands for but over all I think they are the better party to run this country. [ladym33]
I don't mind so much speaking about religion as I know a little about it and I would like to get to know about other religions even though I used to avoid the subject. I know very little about politics and I am not very interested in them either, so I would just let others get on with their rant or discussion while I listen in silence. [Alexandria37]
I avoid political discussions at work because we have die hard supporters of both major parties along with a very rabid Ron Paul supporter in the office...and I don't mean that in a disrespectful way towards Ron Paul...this is just the personality of his supporter in our office. Political discussions at work do not become nasty but they do get very intense so I usually stay in my office and stay out of them. I don't mind discussing politics with friends because we respect each other's views...although I have been jokingly called a namby pandy for not fully backing one candidate over the other. I do enjoy a good debate and, with the exception of a few, the members of mylot have been able to discuss the various political issues in a civilized way. [spalladino]
I'm an addict, I admit it. I love a good intelligant debate (wish there were a few more here) and politics is a passion. I do have a pretty hard set of ieologies and philosophies, but I am open to listening intelligant points and alternative views. If someone has something intelligant to say or an informed opinion to offer, I'll try to be open minded. what i can't stand is when one uses factless emotional argumentation, tabloid trash, rumors or expouses absolute lack of knowlege or falsehood they regurgitate from hollywood or a blog as fact. [xfahctor]
I am with you there. [ladym33]
I don't discuss politics in social circles. I hardly remember one, where I talk about it. For me those politicians are a bunch of crap, and they've done no good for people. I'd rather talk about my favorite games, or the places that we've been to during our last encounter. If someone talks about politics in social gatherings, I just step my way out of them. I don't want to argue with them, I don't even want to share my ideas, I might hurt some or win some but whatever it is I still prefer not to talk about it. [iceblizzard]
I too find it safer to avoid the political arena. Nothing like putting yourself up as food for the lions. I don't even really like to discuss issues that are controversial with some people. There are some out there that beleive that their oppinion is the only one and that no matter what you say you are wrong. They can not accept that others might not see things as they do. These very narrow minded people are the ones I really like to avoid. I have on occasion started something on purpose nowing that the other person did not see things as I did just to see how they would respond, but I really have to be in the mood to stir the pot to do this. [jmhall]
I jump right in the deep end. I love politics and have since I was about 11 or 12. Yes, political discussions can get heated, but that's just the nature of them. Some of us are very passionate about our beliefs. That's better than not having any beliefs at all, though. I don't think you can say with a straight face that either party is more reactive than the other, as I notice you did say below. I think they are equally passionate and equally reactive to negative comments. [CherylsPearls]
Good day.. What you've said is very true. And if I may add another, religion. I don't jump into a political discussion specially when my opinion is in contrast with it, more so if it's in a social gathering. I mean it might and usually will get into a heated debate and I don;t my night and the other people to be ruined by that. If there is a discussion I'll just listen first, if the speaker or the crowd's opinion is in jive with mine then I'll tag along bu if not I'll just listen to get additional information. I try to avoid arguments as much as I can and if it can be helped but in cases where the discussion is discriminatory and outright rude I just jump right in and voice out my views. [blackmantra_x]
If I have the energy at the moment, I will jump in and give my "2 cents worth". But I find it very frustrating to discuss politics when the party lines are solidly drawn. No one listens to the other. No one will ever be convinced that they may be incorrect about something. I guess it's ok with friends if it can remain friendly. If the volume goes up.......I'm done! [rocketj1]
Depends on the subject and how much I think talking about it's worth it. Who cares about safety, socially? I'm a pretty different human being. My faith, my race, my aspirations in life...just a casual glimpse of realization of even one of these things could instantly set aflame future discussions or opinions of me. So...why should I care? I always play my cards with caution and wear expert cosmetics, but just because you're careful about how you get in the water doesn't mean you don't get in anyways. [xParanoiax]
I jump right in with both feet and stand my ground. If someone wants to attack my candidate I'll go at them with both barrells and see if they can back it up. There are too many people who just want to trash somebody's character and if I see that happening I'll let them have it. I'll probably never volunteer to help during a campaign but myLot is a good way to let others know what you think about who's running and who should be running away. [gitfiddleplayer]
We all have different minds and so as different beliefs we may have different beliefs as to those whom we are talking to. I don't discuss political issues or more like endorse a candidate to someone because we may have different views upon the candidate and im afraid we might end up having a debate. I don't talk about politics not unless its about where our tax are going. Happy mylotting, cheers! [switlyf]
I normally avoid talking about political stuffs with people who has strong bias. I enjoy talking about political or other related topics with people who understand the situation and has better vision than me do. [jfxrsch]
I usually avoid the whole politics scence since I don't follow politics at all. It seems like all the politicans makes promises and nothing ever changes. I like to drive crawler dozers.I often get told that I should pay more attention and get more involved with it, but its hard to think that way when you believe something different. I have seen very many heated conversations due to politics or religion and the people involved enjoyed it since we were all friends. I think its different with strangers as people don't know each other well and well get offended a lot faster and easier. [musiclover505]
Actually... I've heard many a time that discussing politics with other people is definitely among the worst things you can do just because of the fact that it could get heated and very biased. That doesn't really stop me from doing it sometimes though. The sad part is... The most recent time that I actually talked about politics was with my girlfriend. We were talking about one very touchy subject (in her mind), and just because our views differed a VERY tiny bit, she got annoyed with me and very cold. We *are* on the same side of politics, but when it comes down to it, I don't think I'll ever talk about politics with any girlfriends I have, due to the fact that it can cause so many problems in a relationship. With friends... I love to debate certain subjects, because it opens my mind to new ideas and a lot of interesting thoughts. Of course, there are things that I won't budge on, ever, but it's still fun sometimes. But if I can stay away from it, I try to, just for the sake of keeping a friendship from boiling like coin sorting machines. [KingofLodisx]
i dont like to debate people but i will comment anything about politics and that will makes me a citizen of the country. and if theyare going to reply me with harrassing word/s i just leave it and dont mind them. its good to know other people view of point and to let people know mine but to debate about it no im not into it. [skywolfcel]
I will surely jump into them, cause I am pretty sure what politics is, and who is what, and who is acting in how much accordance. It will be nice to have an open debate and teach them what they are supposed to do and what they are doing, not only this, even suggestions and other things too. Why to avoid them? I don't find any risk in it, just be natural and be sure you won't get carried away and deviate. [AamidMS]
I avoid the complications that talking about politics might arouse because i treasure my star and further more most political debates involve the US politics which frankly does not interest me, since i live in a country in Europe. I avoid conflictual discussions in general, because i am not here to fight with anyone, i just want to make an honest income. [elitess]
I agree with you. I don't join those conversation too often even though I may have an opinion. The truth is, I've mad my decision and no on is going to change it. And I believe that the people who post very heated, passionate discussions regarding politics have also made their decision and it would be next to impossible to change their minds either. So I don't waste my time on it or code 3 collectibles. Occassionally I may add a comment because I think something so ridiculous has been said. But I really try to stay out. [cbreeze]
I do talk about politics and religion, and I shouldn't because it annoys me when other people start getting defensive about it instead of have the ability to actually discuss and share ideas they just want to be agreed with. [savmot]
Hi ladym, Honestly, i am not responding to friends who are having a post like that..I don't like to be part of the argumentation of little debate! I know and bump topics which become very hot for each people who are exchanging their views! [checapricorn]
I will usually only discuss politics with people I am either really close to or who I know agree with my political values. Talking politics ignites something in people. We are all passionate about one or another and many people will fight to get their points across. I really try to just stay away from political talks with people I'm not really sure about. [hmkoct5]