"It's Not Polite to Talk About Politics"
- It's been jokingly introduced at cocktail parties to prevent a heated conversation from turning into a shouting match.
- It's been firmly proclaimed at tense holiday dinners when adult siblings who've grown politically apart start going at each other.
- It's been loudly announced in a nasal 'Sunday School teacher voice' at girls night out when one woman tries to get serious and the rest just want to drink wine and have a few laughs.
- Worst of all, it's been stated as fact by the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other female relatives who had a hand in raising us.
What's wrong with wanting to know what other people think? What's wrong with discussing issues more substantive than the weather or the price of gas? Why must women maintain harmony and goodwill at the expense of their own political education and edification?
The reasons why we shouldn't talk about politics pale in comparison to the good that arises from women discussing politics.
It makes us more engaged citizens, better role models for future generations of women, and more self-actualized.
By talking politics, we express ownership of our opinions and we acknowledge their worth by sharing them.
We validate who we are and what we believe.
Would you really give all of that up for the sake of politeness?
Related Article: Politics in the Social Mix: Women Discussing Politics - Why Some Don't and Why We All Should
It’s not polite. There is a time and place and when people bring up issues like politics into a family gathering or any other group setting it can really be a downer. Not saying politics is all negative, but it tends to get people ticked at some point. Bottom line, there is a time and place for it just like everything. Some people just have poor judgement when it comes to bringing up certain things, and I tend to associate that with poor social skills. The end.
“…the implication that if you choose to make your opinions known, you’re rude, crude, boorish, overbearing, ill-bred, inconsiderate, and quite possibly a bitch.”
Rediculous! The adage has nothing to do with making your opinions known. One doesn’t discuss religion and politics at social gatherings because for many of us, these are deeply felt, emotional topics and it’s very likely that our differences of opinion will end up causing anger, resentment, and arguments. It’s called “politeness” and even though it’s sadly lacking in many of today’s self-centered, arrogant, egotists…manners are what enables diverse groups to comingle and live together in a (relatively) peaceful society.
As “Cindy” says, there is a time and place for all things and out of simple respect for ones host/ess, you do NOT ruin the party by insulting or baiting the other guests. You adjourn to a coffee shop, or a bar, or some other venue and argue to your hearts content.