Many people think that it's fine to talk about the weather, American Idol, or other people behind their back, but most won't talk about two of the most important topics out there: Religion and Politics.

Even people like myself, who love to talk about these topics (especially religion) tend not to bring them up out of making others feel uncomfortable or even angry.

I maintain that if people are going to vote and influence society (and thus directly or indirectly affect me) based on their belief systems regarding these topics, that I have every right to bring up any subject I think is relevant. Do you agree?

What do you mean, people don't talk about politics?

People always talk a lot about politics, at least in my country. It's like a common subject for any talk, from hanging out in the bar to the most elegant dinner.

About religion, well, I believe people don't talk that much about it because you can't form any true arguments about it in a discussion: you believe something that is not argument-founded. Or perhaps not, it depends on the actual subject of the conversation.

I agree...

But there are plenty of people who easily get offended, and that pretty much ruins it for the rest of us.

I agree too, there's nothing wrong with a healthy debate. It's good to share opinions because it can make people think of things they didn't before. Obviously my political and religious beliefs will be different than the next guys, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about them.

If I were at dinner with friends of friends who I'm meeting for the first time, I might say, "how bout them Red Sox?" At best, a friendly rivalry might ensue. If I say, "how bout that war?" then many people will frown down upon it saying, "you don't really know these people yet, give it time." Even though in the grand scheme, the war is (or at least might be ) more imporant than baseball.


I get "offended" when someone votes a certain way without being open to discussing their viewpoint. How should I accomodate this? Shouldn't we all just accept that getting "offended" is a part of life?

Maybe future debates should have a disclaimer stating that you should not post if you are offended. And if you are... etiher shut up, or get out.

^_^

The point that I'm trying to make is that it seems as though when it comes to talking about the weather, sports, or American Idol (whether in a forum or out in public), there need be no disclaimers or implications that there is something "wrong" with talking about these subjects.

It seems as though needing to either have a disclaimer or avoid bringing up the subject all together implies that there is something wrong with bringing up the subjects of religion or politics.

Ah... I see what you mean.

And for what it's worth, I don't understand it any more than you. I guess people think that their oppinions on the subject are absolute... and to say otherwise is a taboo. But then again, I'm not even sure if that's even paritally correct.

There's nothing wrong with a debate. However....hmmm...how to say this.....It's like a dance.... If you're out on a floor and you're stepping on people you've met for the first time that's not the greatest impression. Drawing from that it's easy to see why politics and religion are touchy subjects for many.

I especially think that it's touchy because I think people show a truer side in an arguement. When you argue you usually go on autoresponse. This makes debating a turnoff for a lot of people because it either shows them as not knowing anything....or it shows them as unwavering rocks.....or it shows them as dominating assholes.

A lot of people shy away because a lot of society is made up of keeping certain facades. Debating has a large amount of risk of breaking those facades.

The reason why it's "wrong" to talk about more serious subjects with people you just met is exaclty because they are more serious. I kinda gree with Kajak, when you just meet someone, you won't want to jump right in into a heated debate about politics or religion (because those things DO cause heated debates). You gotta set the ground first.

I guess don't like to be put into Thinking Mode without a good reason. So before trying to make people go into Thinking Mode, you have to earn their respect (or something like that) first.

I think there is a practical matter in that to properly discuss religion and politics it might take longer than just passing on the street, but I would like to see a world (and probably will start to moreso behave consistently with the scenario) in which I might say to someone I'm meeting for the first time, "So what's your religion?" or "What is your favorite politcal party?" because to be honest, even is someone thinks that just briefly mentioning their religion or political affiliation is irrelevant unless we are going to discuss it more in depth, I feel the same way about them knowing my favorite movie, song, sports team, tv show, or what I thought about the snow we've been having.

It is just another way to relate and shouldn't be given a bad name.

I say that's great and all...but the things is...people tell each other their favorite movies and foods and teams simply BECAUSE those are the things that don't matter. If you meet some one, you chit chat and that's it....you don't want to get involved so you stay out of the things that matter..or at least that matter more seriously.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I want to ask people what they believe because I want them to ask me what I believe.

Traditional society aside, do you guys prefer to relate at such a superficial level?

I do.

I enjoy talking about religion more than polotics... Honestly, i'm not plitically savvy. But people are such asswads today. SK told me he was at an anime forum and mentioned wanting to find some angel pictures... just pictures of anime chicks with wings. And some guy blew up at him saying not to bring his religious bs into the forums.

I had no idea such topics were frowned upon. I use to be able to speak of christianity with athiests without having problems. I guess the times have changed...

Religon brainwashes people.

Lantis , when I said superficial level, I meant that instead of talking about religion, would you rather talk about the weather or other non-serious subjects. Are you saying that you would?

Thank so much for that input DE.

Moving on.

I think it's just a sign of the current times. With everything that has been happening in the lastcouple years, religion and politics have gotten really touchy.... I don't think they should be....But hey....what can ya do

Get back on the horse and bring up the subjects as much as possible.

I was agreeing with you... and I understand what you mean about the pety talk. I am willing to talk to anyone about anything they are willing to talk about. Like me and you wouldn't have a problem talking about religion... I mean, that much is a given.

But, for whatever reason, if someone isn't comfortable... I'll regress to weather and whatnot. Though it probably won't be a very long conversation...

I guess I trailed off of were you were going with what you were saying a bit. But reguardless, it may be boring... but if all someone wants to talk about is lesser than debate, I will do so.

But then you got to realize that there are people out there that will want ot debate... but not know really what they are talking about. Like Duelpro for example. I'm pretty sure he has no backing to his previous statment... no sources, or real life eperiences in being brain-washed.

And I'm sure that's another reason why people stray from debates.

Most people can't handle a decent debate...I don't feel like wastingmy time on them. Anyone looking for one can find it in me. Personally I've traveled that road long enough to have plenty of companions with which to argue. So I don't think I'll be charging around on a noble steed.