I Was Out Socially Last Night At A 70th Birthday Party....

[global1]

All the people except one couple are now old baby boomers. The one couple are millennials.

I noticed that politics didn't come up all night - except one obtuse comment - by one of the female boomers. She said she doesn't watch the late night shows anymore - because they are all political.

I held my tongue and didn't engage and today when I'm reflecting on that and last evening I have this observation. People are purposely avoiding talking politics because one does not know how the people in the room will react.

I believe that we should in situations like this - talk. It seems like the only way we might be able to get through to some hard core Repugs or Trumpsters. Unfortunately - one does not want to engage for fear of the repercussions and reactions and for me - because I didn't know how people in the room felt about Trump, the Repugs, the Dems, the separated families I think I either didn't want to start something I couldn't finish or maybe have the room turn against me or I really don't have a good explanation.

One thing I think that has happened with Trump is that people now avoid the topic altogether and as a result - without decent dialogue - one doesn't even have a chance to change opinions or learn why others might not have my/your opinion.

I don't think that is good. Because without dialogue - people just dig in more and nothing changes.

Again - reflecting on last night - I just had to put this post out. I really don't know if this will even serve a purpose.

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

1. Interesting observation. 2 party no-no's politics and religion imho.

I concur. I've found that it is exhausting as well to educate those that couldn't care less about being schooled in reason. So why bother or ruin your nice party? At this point it should be obvious that dialog alone isn't going to cut the mustard. Going to the march or protest and voting is our best option. After all, we didn't ask for this and trying to fix it shouldn't be our guiding agenda... bc they will just break something else to cause anxiety and re-start the whole stupid cycle.
"There are none so blind that will not see.."

[dewsgirl]

2. Last year I tried when confroted with a Trump supporter, I

Would allow them to speak their opinions and be as friendly I could. At this point I go out of my way to avoid them at all costs.

[cyclonefence]

3. Interesting you chould say this

My husband has been trying to have a conversation with an old friend who supports Trump, and when he tries to ask why the friend believes this or that, his friend's reply is to call my husband an "elitist". Seriously, his friend will not talk about facts. His only response is to dismiss my husband's (gentle) questions with "you're just mad about the election." I have a feeling this is typical of Trumpers. This friend is a smart guy; he and his wife (who is a lawyer) are lovely people, and they identify as socially liberal. Yet they cannot or will not defend their support of Trump.

And to be clear: my husband is not trying to debate him. Both of us want to understand how they could justify Trump's words and actions, and they won't engage. I don't know what's going on other than they must be so ashamed that they won't talk about it.

I really miss Jon Stewart's ability to talk in a friendly manner with people whose politics he clearly despises. I recall his actually having a civil conversation with the likes of Bill O'Reilly. I wish we had someone with his conversational skills on the national radar.

[TeamPooka]

5. Your friends are racists. Racists don't like to talk about their racism. Their racism is why they

voted for Trump.
Mystery solved!

[mitch96]

6. I'm in the same boat...

Long time friend who is now a tRumper.. Can't talk to him any more. No facts, just attack.
I wonder where my old friend went.....
m

[AnotherMother4Peace]

4. Interesting conversation. I'm in a position to help someone, which I would usually do in a heartbeat

because it is a matter of right or wrong. But because of what Trumpsters stand for, I'm not very enthusiastic right now (and it can be a big deal for this person). How do I help someone who supports Nazi like tactics? I'm wrestling with that, and have reluctantly offered my assistance.

But I think speaking up, creating dialogue is a good thing. Perhaps viewing it as a cult situation. Make yourself known as opposing Trumps tactics. Harvey Milk: “Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.”

[Corgigal]

7. You can only talk to them

if they consider you on the same team.

Happened to me, in a line at the grocery store. White woman turns to me and talks about Norway. A few days ago it was in the news. She talked about how she always wanted to move there and talked about moving to another part of our state. Which I know is whiter. So I'm trying to figure out, why is this lady telling me this crap? Oh I'm white...

So I said, Norway doesn't wants us. I like it here because of all the variety of humans.

That shit was closed down. Didn't say anything mean, just a lite conversation about how her judgement was off.