Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 17:31     Subject: See you after the election in 2016.

Some people live to launch grenades into otherwise peaceful get-togethers. I don't have the urge, and would find anyone who does to be quite draining.

I think lively political talk can be engaging and educational. It doesn't sound like that's what your ILs are after though. Just discord.

Tiresome. Wouldn't be tolerated.

FWIW, I feel the same way about the mystical sister and her ghost talk from the other thread. Sure, bring it up. But please stop after it becomes clear that it's unproductive and unwelcome.

There are so many things to discuss that bring people together. The desire to press a point again and again, one that only isolates people and distracts from the beauty of a family gathering...just, no.

Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 17:25     Subject: Re:See you after the election in 2016.
Anonymous wrote:I am nearly 60 (yikes!) and grew up with political discussion around the table and learned a respect for differing opinions. However, neither are possible anymore. The "information age" we live in has given us more misinformation and propaganda than ever before. the 24 hour news stations are brain-washing people, especially on the right. Fox News is disgraceful, in my opinion, and I would describe myself as a Republican with Independent leanings.

The civil political discussion is not possible anymore. So I agree with the no political discussion stance 100%. Better to keep family harmony than have a family breakdown due to who is running for president.


Unfortunately, I find most of this true as well. Although I would describe myself as a socially progressive/fiscally conservative who typically votes for Democrats. Its not just Fox News, almost every media outlet participates in tit-for-tat partisan bickering on EVERY issue.

That being said- I am able to have discussion with my parents on many political issues without hostility. My FIL is absolutely brutal, though. He's the type to yell racist comments at the t.v. when Obama is shown or derogatory things when Pelosi is on. Its really sad and difficult to be around. It makes my daughter (15) really uncomfortable, my son (17) basically laughs behind his back.

I'm only (only?!?) 44 and also remember being able to agree to disagree on issues. But the social climate of I'M RIGHT AND YOU'RE WRONG!!!! is so pervasive, it often makes any discourse uncomfortable.
Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 14:02     Subject: Re:See you after the election in 2016.
Anonymous wrote:I have a different viewpoint about this.

I grew up with a family that doesn't talk politics at family gatherings. We are experts at small talk. Weather, pets, I'm great at talking about all that stuff.

I regret very much that I was not encouraged to discuss political issues growing up.

What I found was that this upbringing left me at a disadvantage in engaging in college classroom discussions, and in living and working in DC, a highly educated community where people are well informed about politics. Like it or not, this IS what people talk about at dinner parties here. It took years for me to become comfortable engaging with my in-laws in substantive discussions about political issues. These are IMPORTANT issues.

Politics are important. Elections are important. They affect our lives and our futures.

If you are just talking about people spewing uninformed, mindless, or disrespectful views, that is one thing. But I think a flat "no-politics" rule is wrong and shortsighted.



OP's rule seems to be specifically aimed at the in-laws, not a blanket "no politics ever" rule.

We put a parental block of fox news so my parents can't turn it on when they visit.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2015 20:41     Subject: See you after the election in 2016.
I don't understand people who engage in politics whenever the other person wants to - period.

Anonymous
Post 04/24/2015 12:59     Subject: See you after the election in 2016.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Your way or the highway, right?

Ugh.

Put family first.


Not OP but I do not want the discussions either - so yes, in my home with my family it is "my way or the highway". Respect me and my feelings or stay home.


You sound controlling
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2015 10:09     Subject: Re:See you after the election in 2016.
I am nearly 60 (yikes!) and grew up with political discussion around the table and learned a respect for differing opinions. However, neither are possible anymore. The "information age" we live in has given us more misinformation and propaganda than ever before. the 24 hour news stations are brain-washing people, especially on the right. Fox News is disgraceful, in my opinion, and I would describe myself as a Republican with Independent leanings.

The civil political discussion is not possible anymore. So I agree with the no political discussion stance 100%. Better to keep family harmony than have a family breakdown due to who is running for president.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2015 08:19     Subject: See you after the election in 2016.
So I agree politically with my inlaws and I STILL hate discussing politics with them. My MIL gets so riled up and she raises her voice to make a point, even though no one is disagreeing with her! It's so awkward. But since she is clearly so unable to see the other side, I sometimes play devil's advocate and now she thinks I'm voting for The Bad Guys.

This whole thread is most likely a much bigger problem in DC than anywhere else.