I am amazed how people will share their unsolicited political or religious views with me as if they were the gospel truth and surely I am in agreement. Now if the person with loose lips is a friend, I am really wasting my time getting involved in a discussions. Eventually I'll have one less friend. If the person is a stranger, I am still wasting my time, but I might feel better when I tell the person to go fuck himself. My dad gave me this advise over 50 years ago and I wish I had paid better attention. He would say that arguing politics or religion is like mud wrestling with a pig. All you do is get dirty and the pig really likes it.
Just think what could be accomplished if people were able to work together while totally ignorant of their colleges' political or religious views. When I am King, I promise I'll follow this resolution -- well, for a few weeks until I can't resist telling some dumb ass to buzz off.
Boy, I couldn't disagree more. People need to wear their politics and religion on their sleeve. The only way you can be sure your views are correct is to defend them. If I never put myself out there and talked about what I believed, I would still be carrying around Atlas Shrugged thinking that greed is a virtue.
ReplyDeleteIt might seem futile, but when you argue with people, it plants seeds. Those seeds can take root. They grew a garden that turned me into a liberal. It can be frustrating, but we should never wall ourselves off into groups that pat each other on the back and talk about how great and right we all are.
I would definitely agree with Bart on this one. While not sharing political or religious views with someone may make them seem like an alien, your views on the things will make you seem the same to them. It is in the discussion of those beliefs that makes us either come to a better understanding of what we believe or change our minds.
ReplyDeleteI think a better resolution is to ask everyone you know what they believe politically and religiously and find out more about that person. Hope you maybe change your mind, O Mighty Future King.
OK Bart & Danny G, the King is willing to make an amendment. Fight the good fight if you must, but try to not loose a friend in the process. Part of wisdom is knowing when to fight, and when to walk away.
ReplyDeleteI've had great discussions with people who don't share the same views as me. Sometimes I reach someone and sometimes I get info that causes me to rethink my position. And in some cases I've gained a new found respect from and for others. That is a win-win.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I've lost a few friends over these types of discussions. In my opinion they weren't much of a friend to begin with. In fact I'm glad they have shown their "true colors" and have released me from being around them anymore!
Discussion is great. It means that everyone is calm and in control, information is being passed around, etc. It's when someone crosses the line into arguing that things are no longer fun or worthwhile for anyone involved.
ReplyDeleteI guess that was my point - thanks for clarifying Mason
ReplyDeleteDiscussion is great. It means that everyone is calm and in control, information is being passed around, etc. It's when someone crosses the line into arguing that things are no longer fun or worthwhile for anyone involved.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely agree with Bart on this one. While not sharing political or religious views with someone may make them seem like an alien, your views on the things will make you seem the same to them. It is in the discussion of those beliefs that makes us either come to a better understanding of what we believe or change our minds.
ReplyDeleteI think a better resolution is to ask everyone you know what they believe politically and religiously and find out more about that person. Hope you maybe change your mind, O Mighty Future King.