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What sort of control freak and\or dysfunctional family situation does one have to have in order to have a political meltdown over thanksgiving with your family?
I used to LOVE to talk politics with my (hardcore dem) father in law over the years before he passed even though I'm pretty moderate. We had good discussions, then we ate food, drank wine and played cards. Great man, rip and we made each other think (novel concept). My one aunt is insanely republican, I love her too, I just steer the conversation away from politics. Politely saying, "I don't want to get into politics today and just want to enjoy time with my family" should suffice.
Seriously, if you and yours can't get a grip then either don't get together and\or consider some intensive therapy or time back at Arkham.
Do you think it's smart, or proper, to ban politics from Thanksgiving dinner?
Just during dinner at the table. Proper etiquette from the past demanded that during family celebrations with dining any discussions about politics, religion and other serious adult discussions that youngsters can't participate in or that might be disruptive to the enjoyment of other diners should be banned from the communal table during dinner. Such conversations would be taken up AFTER the dinner was over and the guests have all retired from the table to relax in other rooms and activities confined to their liking.
I agree with that old tradition and have found that it makes for a much more enjoyable dining experience where all diners (of all ages) are equal and able to participate in the table conversations.
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Indeed. If you are seated for dinner then that is akin to being a hostage of sorts. Talking about ANY potentially unpleasant subject...politics, bladder infection, growth on your back, asking about your cousins kids prison sentence are all off-limits.
Some people have no class.
Now if you want to try to talk politics after dinner privately where your relative can escape you by feigning death or jumping through the nearest window then that's more acceptable but realize that it can still be rude.
People, it's really easy. Talking politics with a relative at a family function is like trying to hit someone up for sex that is not really a mate yet. No means no and beyond that is creepy and wrong.
What sort of control freak and\or dysfunctional family situation does one have to have in order to have a political meltdown over thanksgiving with your family?
I used to LOVE to talk politics with my (hardcore dem) father in law over the years before he passed even though I'm pretty moderate. We had good discussions, then we ate food, drank wine and played cards. Great man, rip and we made each other think (novel concept). My one aunt is insanely republican, I love her too, I just steer the conversation away from politics. Politely saying, "I don't want to get into politics today and just want to enjoy time with my family" should suffice.
Seriously, if you and yours can't get a grip then either don't get together and\or consider some intensive therapy or time back at Arkham.
My Father has late stage TDS and cannot be reasoned with. It is totally impossible to have any kind of constructive conversation about politics. He told me point blank that I was “raised to be a better person†than a Trump supporter.
The guy isn’t in the best health and I try to avoid pointless arguments.
I saw one or two people - etiquette experts, I guess - suggesting announcing a "no-politics zone" for the sake of keeping the peace.
So, do you agree with this? Do you think the holiday table should be confined to the blandest possible conversation? Or to discussions rudely analyzing the flaws of family members? I wish I could remember who said that the push to get us to stop political conversations only further divides us. Maybe holiday dinners are the perfect time to work on our abilities to sensibly elaborate our views and be politely persuasive?
What do you think?
I think politics should be avoided especially if you know there are people with very different views. We all know that liberals are snowflakes and can't handle any challenges to their emotional beliefs.
I think politics should be avoided especially if you know there are people with very different views. We all know that liberals are snowflakes and can't handle any challenges to their emotional beliefs.
I frustrate my family members because I won't "take a side".. my views rest neither with the conservatives / liberals or Republicans / Democrats. I consider myself an independent.... When I say that I'm capable of independent critical thinking without having a party affiliation doing the thinking for me, it pisses them to no end.
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