1. Are you afraid to discuss your political views in public? 2. Are you afraid to discuss your political views with your friends where you can be overheard? 3. Are you afraid to discuss your political views with your friends when no one else can overhear?
Ok then. For me, politics don't run my life. I have my opinions and only share them if they are relevant and I'm knowledgeable on the subject.
True. There is also the point that there isn't much to discuss. On the rare occasions that we can't find anything more interesting to talk about I don't get much beyond well, X is sh!t in an iron bucket but the best of a piss poor field so I will hold my nose and vote for him. And as often as not my companions will say that when they look at Y they realise that they would not empty the chamber pot over him if someone set fire to his trousers, but someone has to drive the train so.... Then we turn to more interesting matters such as anything
I'm afraid that my lack of verbal wit will leave me unable to properly defend my position in a verbal altercation. So I avoid displays that would prompt one. I'll happily have a verbal debate with anyone who is patient enough to let me consider my words before replying. But if I could speak as effectively on my toes as I can write after several minutes of consideration and research and re-re-re-editing, I would be wearing a Trump hat and gopro everywhere I go (except work... I'll start doing that when I want my 'liberal' Canadian Trump and gun hating boss to fire me). But alas, I'm not the one for witty comebacks and quick recall. This is not any more the case today than it was 5 or 15 years ago. I've always sucked at verbal interaction. Though there wouldn't have been any reason to wear the gopro before Trump ;D
Am I afraid to share my political views? Yes. Because I don't want to share them and make it about me. I want other people to feel safe to talk about politics and feel like they can be heard. If I'm lecturing on my politics, then I worry that they won't feel like they can share their ideas openly.
Why would you sharing your political views be 'making it about you' and not 'you being heard' like for everyone else? ...not tryna make any specific point, just curious.
afraid?, nope, however why provide the opportunity for some over-the-top virtue signally *sshole, to spout off with a hissy fit, when all i want to do is grab my sixpack and go drink 'em in peace...
No no, I understand it's a weird idea. I noticed in the past when I start talking about politics, I tend to talk too much and not listen to what is being said. To stop that, I had to learn how to listen, and I now realize how rude I was by talking so much now that I listen to other people talk. So I try not to talk unless it's for a specific point.
"Afraid" of what? Being challenged? Being physically assaulted? I have a family member who is unrestrained in his opinions. Even those who share his beliefs keep their distance when he starts ranting. He doesn't realize how ridiculous he comes across to everyone. He embarrasses himself and is not seen as bold and brave, but as someone with a problem. I don't talk politics with anyone in public (or anywhere but here). If there is any fear, it's that people I've known for years, good friends, family, people I get along with quite well and people who are always there to help each other might distance themselves or decide they can't tolerate me anymore because I have a different opinion. As long as we don't know each other's opinions, we get along fine. I'm afraid to find out if any of those good people are actually petty enough to put politics above friendship.
Never discuss race, religion, alphabet soup, or politics in and amongst the general public. Be wise as a serpent and deadly as a raptor, but don't make unnecessary waves when there is nothing to be gained but ungainful turmoil. Always lie to pollsters.