How many recent threats of unfriending have you seen on Facebook & other social media sites, or maybe you've personally made, over shutting down the drone of differing political opinions? We all have memories of a family gathering, maybe over the holidays or at a reunion, when the topic of politics ruined the conversation. Maybe you've been there, and you left the conversation shell-shocked or shunned, what a shame that had to happen.
If you are concerned about discussing politics with a certain person or group of people or over social media, because you think the relationship will suffer, or if you are afraid to voice your views because you fear repercussions, then maybe you didn't have a substantial relationship to begin with. I have un-followed and unfriended people on social media, not over their political views, but over how they present their views. There's a major difference between what you say and how you say it.
When people have to stoop to threats, slurs, and intimidation to make their political views understood, they will lose their audience, at least this listener. The louder the rant, usually indicates the narrower of perspectives. I think we miss out on an opportunity for personal growth when we forfeit an exchange of ideas, and I like to engage in dialogue with people with whom I don't always see eye-to-eye with. But, and I'm guessing I'm not alone here, I can't really have a conversation with a dogmatic bully.
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