Just lost a friend due to politics. And now I think I finally understand why people say that you shouldn't talk about religion or politics with people.
I always thought that was something boring people say. "Don't talk about religion or politics, it's impolite." "But that's the fun stuff to talk about," I thought. But now I see that, like most rules of etticute, even the ones that seem stuffy and old school--it's a Thing for a reason.
The real danger is not that people can't be civil and thoughtful about it, it's that people can misunderstand you so easily when you paint yourself with labels that have been used as fodder in propaganda wars and have been used to stir up emotions and used as clickbait items.
When you say words and phrases like, "social justice," or "equity" or "border security," or "nation of immigrants," or "populism," or "patriotism," or "capitalism," or "socialism," and identify yourself as relating with or supporting some of those ideas -- you're not only communicating to people how you feel about an issue, you're activating all the things they've ever heard about people who feel the same way.
You're activating the whole body of knowledge they already have about the words or phrase you've used. So you're not only saying what you think you're saying (I support x, y, z), you're also accidentally saying, "Put me into the category in your mind that you associate with people who support x, y, z." And then you get all these assumptions and baggage heaped upon you that may have nothing to do with what you've said or what you believe. You get assigned motivations that are foreign concepts to you, for example.
For example, say you express that you support "social justice." Well, if someone associates those words with actions that are helpful and heroic, they're going to start thinking you're helpful and heroic. If someone associates those words with actions that are divisive, they're going to start thinking you're a divisive person. When in fact, you've said neither of those things. You might be neither divisive nor heroic. You simply support the idea of social justice.
Capitalism, also. You might say you support capitalism, and someone begins to think you don't care about the poor. Saying you believe in socialism might make someone think you don't care about individual rights. When you didn't say that, didn't mean that, don't think that. They're words pre-loaded with meaning, you see. Words pre-loaded with emotion, outrage, and stereotypes. So, be careful what you say. What you say may not be what the other person hears, no matter how clear you may be.
So, I have concluded that politics and religion are not safe subjects to discuss without misunderstandings. It's a good lesson to learn, and one I'll take to heart. I think that every relationship you have is meant to teach you something, maybe that was the purpose of the friendship that has concluded. This might help me improve future relationships.
I always thought that was something boring people say. "Don't talk about religion or politics, it's impolite." "But that's the fun stuff to talk about," I thought. But now I see that, like most rules of etticute, even the ones that seem stuffy and old school--it's a Thing for a reason.
The real danger is not that people can't be civil and thoughtful about it, it's that people can misunderstand you so easily when you paint yourself with labels that have been used as fodder in propaganda wars and have been used to stir up emotions and used as clickbait items.
When you say words and phrases like, "social justice," or "equity" or "border security," or "nation of immigrants," or "populism," or "patriotism," or "capitalism," or "socialism," and identify yourself as relating with or supporting some of those ideas -- you're not only communicating to people how you feel about an issue, you're activating all the things they've ever heard about people who feel the same way.
You're activating the whole body of knowledge they already have about the words or phrase you've used. So you're not only saying what you think you're saying (I support x, y, z), you're also accidentally saying, "Put me into the category in your mind that you associate with people who support x, y, z." And then you get all these assumptions and baggage heaped upon you that may have nothing to do with what you've said or what you believe. You get assigned motivations that are foreign concepts to you, for example.
For example, say you express that you support "social justice." Well, if someone associates those words with actions that are helpful and heroic, they're going to start thinking you're helpful and heroic. If someone associates those words with actions that are divisive, they're going to start thinking you're a divisive person. When in fact, you've said neither of those things. You might be neither divisive nor heroic. You simply support the idea of social justice.
Capitalism, also. You might say you support capitalism, and someone begins to think you don't care about the poor. Saying you believe in socialism might make someone think you don't care about individual rights. When you didn't say that, didn't mean that, don't think that. They're words pre-loaded with meaning, you see. Words pre-loaded with emotion, outrage, and stereotypes. So, be careful what you say. What you say may not be what the other person hears, no matter how clear you may be.
So, I have concluded that politics and religion are not safe subjects to discuss without misunderstandings. It's a good lesson to learn, and one I'll take to heart. I think that every relationship you have is meant to teach you something, maybe that was the purpose of the friendship that has concluded. This might help me improve future relationships.
I say, if you can't talk to someone about religion or politics, (within reasonable timing) they ain't worth keeping.
If we can't talk about these things for fear of offending, then we can't talk to anyone ever. The U.S, of not the world has gotten to the point where your very existence offends people.
In short, if those people can't be reasonable and mature, ditch them. Others need to stop being offended by everything.
If we can't talk about these things for fear of offending, then we can't talk to anyone ever. The U.S, of not the world has gotten to the point where your very existence offends people.
In short, if those people can't be reasonable and mature, ditch them. Others need to stop being offended by everything.
Not to mention, people are bringing that kind of thing where it does not belong. I used to be on the historical cosplay costuming community on Instagram and they started getting political and it became very unwelcoming, hostile and not a fun place to be anymore and resulted in me personally getting away from that by getting rid of my account since I’d lose everyone I followed anyways if I started hitting the “unfollow” button and now I can be found on other places where people understand that you should not bring it in to a place you should not bring it in to, there is a reason why there’s a saying that says
”There is a time and place for everything.”
”There is a time and place for everything.”
LittleMouse wrote:
Not to mention, people are bringing that kind of thing where it does not belong. I used to be on the historical cosplay costuming community on Instagram and they started getting political and it became very unwelcoming, hostile and not a fun place to be anymore and resulted in me personally getting away from that by getting rid of my account since I’d lose everyone I followed anyways if I started hitting the “unfollow” button and now I can be found on other places where people understand that you should not bring it in to a place you should not bring it in to, there is a reason why there’s a saying that says
”There is a time and place for everything.”
”There is a time and place for everything.”
Agreed 100% for example, stop being this nonsense into the workplace. You're there to make money, not run for president.
Angelus-Relator wrote:
LittleMouse wrote:
Not to mention, people are bringing that kind of thing where it does not belong. I used to be on the historical cosplay costuming community on Instagram and they started getting political and it became very unwelcoming, hostile and not a fun place to be anymore and resulted in me personally getting away from that by getting rid of my account since I’d lose everyone I followed anyways if I started hitting the “unfollow” button and now I can be found on other places where people understand that you should not bring it in to a place you should not bring it in to, there is a reason why there’s a saying that says
”There is a time and place for everything.”
”There is a time and place for everything.”
Agreed 100% for example, stop being this nonsense into the workplace. You're there to make money, not run for president.
Angelus-Relator wrote:
LittleMouse wrote:
Not to mention, people are bringing that kind of thing where it does not belong. I used to be on the historical cosplay costuming community on Instagram and they started getting political and it became very unwelcoming, hostile and not a fun place to be anymore and resulted in me personally getting away from that by getting rid of my account since I’d lose everyone I followed anyways if I started hitting the “unfollow” button and now I can be found on other places where people understand that you should not bring it in to a place you should not bring it in to, there is a reason why there’s a saying that says
”There is a time and place for everything.”
”There is a time and place for everything.”
Agreed 100% for example, stop being this nonsense into the workplace. You're there to make money, not run for president.
Oh this was all hobby stuff too, I saw a FEW small businesses doing it and I’m like “what are you doing? Are you trying to alienate customers? Because that’s not what you’re supposed to do.”
LittleMouse wrote:
Angelus-Relator wrote:
LittleMouse wrote:
Not to mention, people are bringing that kind of thing where it does not belong. I used to be on the historical cosplay costuming community on Instagram and they started getting political and it became very unwelcoming, hostile and not a fun place to be anymore and resulted in me personally getting away from that by getting rid of my account since I’d lose everyone I followed anyways if I started hitting the “unfollow” button and now I can be found on other places where people understand that you should not bring it in to a place you should not bring it in to, there is a reason why there’s a saying that says
”There is a time and place for everything.”
”There is a time and place for everything.”
Agreed 100% for example, stop being this nonsense into the workplace. You're there to make money, not run for president.
Oh this was all hobby stuff too, I saw a FEW small businesses doing it and I’m like “what are you doing? Are you trying to alienate customers? Because that’s not what you’re supposed to do.”
That's illegal.... I know the churches and their 'members' in my area are.....not very nice.... (PG.. keep it PG...), But come on?! This ain't the 50s or whenever this was normal. Businesses can get shut down for doing that nonsense, why do they think it's ok? Sadly, I see alot of judgemental humans in my location.
Angelus-Relator wrote:
LittleMouse wrote:
Angelus-Relator wrote:
LittleMouse wrote:
Not to mention, people are bringing that kind of thing where it does not belong. I used to be on the historical cosplay costuming community on Instagram and they started getting political and it became very unwelcoming, hostile and not a fun place to be anymore and resulted in me personally getting away from that by getting rid of my account since I’d lose everyone I followed anyways if I started hitting the “unfollow” button and now I can be found on other places where people understand that you should not bring it in to a place you should not bring it in to, there is a reason why there’s a saying that says
”There is a time and place for everything.”
”There is a time and place for everything.”
Agreed 100% for example, stop being this nonsense into the workplace. You're there to make money, not run for president.
Oh this was all hobby stuff too, I saw a FEW small businesses doing it and I’m like “what are you doing? Are you trying to alienate customers? Because that’s not what you’re supposed to do.”
That's illegal.... I know the churches and their 'members' in my area are.....not very nice.... (PG.. keep it PG...), But come on?! This ain't the 50s or whenever this was normal. Businesses can get shut down for doing that nonsense, why do they think it's ok? Sadly, I see alot of judgemental humans in my location.
And why would you want to risk your livelihood anyways? That’s what they need to realize because if you don’t have enough customers, your little business can’t stay afloat like it deserves
Correct. Sorry, my fellow Christians, you will have to accept customers that follow or do things you don't agree with. God wants us to follow the law. (Forgot exactly which Bible Verse said that.)
Hey all, if you want to talk politics, please head over to the USA political discussions group. 
https://www.rprepository.com/g/american-politics
https://www.rprepository.com/g/american-politics
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