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There are literally generations of people who don't know that one of their rights in the USA is the right to a private vote. You should never have to divulge your political preference.
We need to return civics classes to our education curriculum.
I actually enjoy talking about politics, however I understand that it is off-putting, and I rarely bring it up to people (only my husband and the handful of people who I know share my opinions). I don't purposely seek out to alienate people or upset them.
As a matter of fact, I actually purposely do not reach out to people or talk to them much during an election year. I learned my lesson in 2012, so now I kinda go into social exile until November. Its a shame because I should be putting effort into relationships, but there is so many "bad" topics during an election year. Straight out politics is obvious, but try getting into a discussion about education without slipping up and start talking about common core, and then BAM - you start talking about what the candidates think about common core. So then you start talking about your job, or jobs in general, then it gets into how your company is doing, which turns into the economy, which gets into politics - BAM it happened again. Worst yet, try to talk about going to the Dr, you start getting into a topic of healthcare costs or how healthcare is in America today, then BAM - election talk.
It is VERY HARD to avoid it! I just avoid talking in fear I may accidentally bring something up that will turn into that. I talk about recipes, going to the gym, nutrition, the weather, my pets - mainly all "safe" topics that are kind of superficial. Not a big movie fan, there is no Football this time of year, and I really watch very little TV besides the news and a couple of TV shows that barely anybody else watches so I can't talk about that. I don't really get deep this time of year on an election year, the conversation just spirals out of control. I will talk more around Thanksgiving - Football season will be back, and the election will be over.
I feel like I am going to have no - or few - friends left by the time Nov. 3 comes.
People don't believe me - or just ignore me - when I say "I don't want to talk about the election."
Why don't they believe me?
I just got an idea - I am going to start following the NBA closely and when someone wants to tell me their analysis of this caucus or this primary, I will start giving them a play-by-play of the last NBA game.
seriously, I care about things, I just care about different things, and I don't force my issues onto the people I know - so why do they force their issues on me.
I'm interested in the tribes in the Amazon that are becoming extinct due to illegal logging.
I'm interested in zika, and women being told to "avoid pregnancy", and the impacts on reproductive freedom in those countries with high amount of birth defect.
the people I know are not interested in these kinds of issues. I know - bec. I say something and people give me a blank look. OK, that's ok.
we can talk about food and restaurants and how are the kids.
fine.
but people seem to feel they have a right to impose on me by leading into conversations that I want no part of.
Am I being unreasonable?
If I'm not, then how to react? At this point I am avoiding people-- I am avoiding people bec. I know I'm going to become angry, or make someone angry at me.
Maybe they haven't heard about Etiquette: it's a no-no to bring up politics, sex, or religion in conversations. It's too inflammatory because of deep seated opposing views and can be horribly insensitive.
You are totally correct in your resistance to discuss the topic.
I feel your pain, OP. We don't even live in the US and my husband is glued to his computer monitor to not just read all the latest but to then try and get me involved and excited about it.
I feel like politics in the US is just like a big circus and it may as well be the Superbowl. Just a huge distraction, a stage with over-the-top puppets. Doesn't matter who wins, because they all have the same boss. Canada is no better - it's just missing the cheerleaders.
I feel like I am going to have no - or few - friends left by the time Nov. 3 comes.
People don't believe me - or just ignore me - when I say "I don't want to talk about the election."
Why don't they believe me?
I just got an idea - I am going to start following the NBA closely and when someone wants to tell me their analysis of this caucus or this primary, I will start giving them a play-by-play of the last NBA game.
seriously, I care about things, I just care about different things, and I don't force my issues onto the people I know - so why do they force their issues on me.
I'm interested in the tribes in the Amazon that are becoming extinct due to illegal logging.
I'm interested in zika, and women being told to "avoid pregnancy", and the impacts on reproductive freedom in those countries with high amount of birth defect.
the people I know are not interested in these kinds of issues. I know - bec. I say something and people give me a blank look. OK, that's ok.
we can talk about food and restaurants and how are the kids.
fine.
but people seem to feel they have a right to impose on me by leading into conversations that I want no part of.
Am I being unreasonable?
If I'm not, then how to react? At this point I am avoiding people-- I am avoiding people bec. I know I'm going to become angry, or make someone angry at me.
I feel like I am going to have no - or few - friends left by the time Nov. 3 comes.
People don't believe me - or just ignore me - when I say "I don't want to talk about the election."
Why don't they believe me?
I just got an idea - I am going to start following the NBA closely and when someone wants to tell me their analysis of this caucus or this primary, I will start giving them a play-by-play of the last NBA game.
seriously, I care about things, I just care about different things, and I don't force my issues onto the people I know - so why do they force their issues on me.
I'm interested in the tribes in the Amazon that are becoming extinct due to illegal logging.
I'm interested in zika, and women being told to "avoid pregnancy", and the impacts on reproductive freedom in those countries with high amount of birth defect.
the people I know are not interested in these kinds of issues. I know - bec. I say something and people give me a blank look. OK, that's ok.
we can talk about food and restaurants and how are the kids.
fine.
but people seem to feel they have a right to impose on me by leading into conversations that I want no part of.
Am I being unreasonable?
If I'm not, then how to react? At this point I am avoiding people-- I am avoiding people bec. I know I'm going to become angry, or make someone angry at me.
Yes. You have that right. Tell them that you aren't interested.
I feel like I am going to have no - or few - friends left by the time Nov. 3 comes.
People don't believe me - or just ignore me - when I say "I don't want to talk about the election."
Why don't they believe me?
I just got an idea - I am going to start following the NBA closely and when someone wants to tell me their analysis of this caucus or this primary, I will start giving them a play-by-play of the last NBA game.
seriously, I care about things, I just care about different things, and I don't force my issues onto the people I know - so why do they force their issues on me.
I'm interested in the tribes in the Amazon that are becoming extinct due to illegal logging.
I'm interested in zika, and women being told to "avoid pregnancy", and the impacts on reproductive freedom in those countries with high amount of birth defect.
the people I know are not interested in these kinds of issues. I know - bec. I say something and people give me a blank look. OK, that's ok.
we can talk about food and restaurants and how are the kids.
fine.
but people seem to feel they have a right to impose on me by leading into conversations that I want no part of.
Am I being unreasonable?
If I'm not, then how to react? At this point I am avoiding people-- I am avoiding people bec. I know I'm going to become angry, or make someone angry at me.
When Trump is President we can build a wall around people who dont want to talk politics
This election is one of the most important we've had in a while. I'm not going to lecture anyone about who they should vote for because it won't do a bit of good. It's good to fire up people to just go and VOTE! No need to argue about anything!
it's not that easy!
some people are determined.
so I am going to get rude and say
"What part of not wanting to talk about the election did you not understand?"
really. some people don't take a polite refusal.
and it is not always easy to walk away.
altho actually there have been times at lunch (I have a crowd I often lunch with) when I have walked away.
I don't mind if people want to talk about it, long as I don't have to hear it!
If you're in a group, then it's more difficult. You can remain silent and not participate in that part of the conversation. If they try to draw you in, just say, "Voting is a private matter with me. I was brought up that way. Sorry, But go ahead, don't mind me."
Do not discuss politics, religion, or sex in polite company. That's just showing good manners.
My parents taught us the same basic courtesy - to never discuss politics, religion, or how much you earn in the company of friends, family, and co-workers. It's just a really bad idea.
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