Image via Wikipedia Written by Karen D. Swim
Politics and Religion are those taboo subjects that many try to avoid discussing in public or with casual acquaintances. However, with the US Election season in full swing, fervent discussions of both occur everywhere, and many wish we’d all just shut up.
Mack Collier wrote a post discussing his journey into forbidden waters on Twitter. He cited a post on social media and branding thoughtfully written by Beth Harte. I read and largely agreed with both posts but also began to question my own thoughts on this issue of “acceptable” conversation.
Journalists are tweeting personal opinions on Twitter from the convention floor. Citizen journalists offer insights via blog posts, FriendFeed, UStream and YouTube. Everyone has an opinion from P Diddy to Charles Barkley and those opinions are no longer confined to polite dinner conversations but heard and seen by millions. So, where do we draw the line or does the line even exist in these new times?
Many would argue as Mack and Beth did that these topics which evoke passion have the power to isolate potential customers and negatively impact your brand. I do not disagree but these discussions are not always off the table in traditional business environments. I have been in numerous business and client meetings where religion, politics and even racial issues were discussed and not always with decorum or civility.
Others would offer that the whole point of social media is to boldly rip down the façade of business only and allow personal to enter the equation. To add further complexity, social media enthusiasts are not sharing the platform for the same reasons. Some are there for business only, others personal and many for a mixture of the two. With the lines blurred, it becomes difficult to establish boundaries that satisfy all. Is that a bad thing?
I tend to have religious and political discussions with people close to me who hold similar views. I read and listen to a diversity of opinions and thoughts but I do not dare have these discussions with people outside of the “safe zone” for fear of being offensive. I now question if that is the most prudent path. If we never discuss the tougher issues will we ever achieve diversity? Thoughtful discussions can lead to enriched viewpoints and perspectives. Are we cheating ourselves when we safeguard our thoughts and beliefs for fear of retribution?
Perhaps the real problem is not the subject after all but our approach. Admittedly I could have lived without some of the more colorful tweets about Washington anatomy and “strategically placed” blacks at the Republican National Convention but I am not going to unfollow those with whom I disagree.
This month Joanna Young tackles the theme of writing with respect. It is a timely discussion which can also be applied to our written conversations on social media. Social media, although not new is still territory that is evolving. There exists a bit of the wild west as we write the rules on the fly. The one rule that will never fail us however, is dignity and respect. If we treat everyone with dignity and respect we can agree to disagree on tough issues and learn from one another in the process. Along the way we may even be able to solve a few problems by combining our differing perspectives into a collective solution. That would truly be breaking new ground.
Now it’s your turn – should we avoid these taboo subjects in public? How do you manage these tough discussions or do you employ the speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil policy?
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He put his eye to the hole. He just managed to spy some people sitting in deckchairs chanting, before a finger came out of nowhere and poked him in the eye. As he staggered back, the people started chanting, “Fourteen, fourteen, fourteen…”
I’m really late to this party but of course, it’s only because I’ve been so caught up in politics. That’s why I’m glad you wrote about this issue. I’m following the election quite closely and I am passionately supportive of my candidate. So, it’s been hard to refrain from mentioning it in comments, on my blog, in social networking, etc. The whole thing is having an enormous impact on me and causing some confusion too, I might add. Should I become a political columnist? Should I volunteer for the campaign? I’m a writer! How can I NOT write about this?
A polite and respectful debate is good for the mind, I think. I don’t like when it turns to nasty fighting. In my mixed-party family, there’s a lot of healthy and heated debates lately 😉
The only reason I don’t write about it is because I don’t want to alienate clients. I think that’s a shame.
Melissa Donovans last blog post..Slam Poetry Links and Resources
Are things different in Europe? I can only speak about Germany. In Germany we discuss politics, race and religion in public, that means, even with people who are not that close to us. We are told, that – if we should consider traveling to Great Britain – we should not do so. So there seem to be different approaches to political discussion even in Europe. Maybe we in Germany are not putting so much stress on “being nice” to other people, to act in a friendly way. We don’t care so much if the other person we don’t know much is hurt. On the one hand I very much liked the friendly welcoming atmosphere in the local pub I went to during my stay in England in the 70ies. No sharp discussions, no way to get hurt or hurt other people. But on the other hand – and please forgive me for that -wasn’t it a bit boring? I say that knowing that with saying that I might offend some of you – but I don’t intend to do it, believe me!
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..What I learned from a good friend
Karen, you may be right about our obsession with entertainment. There’s an evil side to it, perhaps. I wonder if Ulla could speak to whether things are different in Europe. They certainly have had more practice in exchanging ideas with civility – many centuries.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..10 Ways To Free Your Business Writing, by Joanna Young
Brad,
I very much liked what you wrote. I think only because some people can’t talk about politics without screaming at another we shouldn’t avoid exchanging our – maybe different – opinions. In the Zeit, a german weekly newspaper, often there is a “yes” and “no” section, both written very well. You can read the arguments of either side and thus form your own opinion. I like to read that, even if I am already having an opinion.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The Early Bird and the Gold
Alex, with limited time I think we all have to make those choices, wouldn’t you agree? I am not much for arguing either, so I completely understand your perspective. It is as you said much easier to have all kinds of discussions when relationship is already in place. Very keen insight Alex but then that is your talent. 😉
Valerie (Natural), well said! Personal attacks are vicious and unnecessary and lately I have witnessed a lot of this behavior. When you take away the emotion and focus on the issue both sides have an opportunity to really learn something. On this blog, I agree, I am so not going there! LOL!
Hi Brad! I really appreciate your kind words. I appreciated Mack and Beth challenging me to think about theses issues and my discomfort in writing about it challenged me to not back away from it. It’s funny I am not offering opinions about either subject simply questioning our approach and even that made me cringe. I fully understand why so many just steer clear. I am also a fan of Chesterton, what a great example. I wonder if our propensity for drama has been driven by our entertainment obsessed culture? We have become so acclimated to antics and high drama that good old fashioned talking seems to be out of style. If you blog it I will come. 🙂
Karen, kudos for tackling a tough topic, and so well! G. K. Chesterton, one of my favorite writers, said something to the effect that the only topics worth discussing are politics and religion, because how we feel about them informs everything else we think and do. And though I don’t get into either politics or religion on my blog, I’m beginning to think Chesterton was really on to something. Chesterton was very good at debating controversial issues. Even his most ardent philosophical opponents liked him. I think maybe we are losing our ability to write and talk about sensitive issues without giving offense. (That thought was actually what prompted my comment to Joanna that inspired a post on a similar theme to yours, Karen.) Anyway, maybe what we need is more practice in writing about sensitive issues. How we feel about politics, for example, is important. If we can’t talk about political ideas without having the conversation explode into a screaming match (like the ones you see on cable news), how in the world are we going to solve any of our problems? If anyone hasn’t noticed, they’re piling up already. I’m thinking one day a week, maybe one day every couple weeks, why not post about a political issue? Much to ponder …
Brad Shorrs last blog post..10 Ways To Free Your Business Writing, by Joanna Young
no, we should not avoid these subjects in public, but here is why i might…because people do not know how to respond to the topic, they respond to the person writing. i have a problem with that.
i can talk almost about anything with people who know me. we don’t have to agree, but when that conversation is tempered with love and respect, it’s easier to focus on the topic.
if people don’t know you and you express your views and they don’t agree, then YOU (not you 🙂 ) are stupid or dumb. they quickly lose sight of what the real issue is.
i like talking about taboo subjects, but not everyone is trained in knowing how to respond. i don’t feel like fighting on my blog, so i don’t go there
Naturals last blog post..Butt-to-Gutt Ratio Gone Wild
@Karen
As I said on Barbara’s BWOB this morning, I am happy to have conversations on differing opinions with people to whom I’m already attached (like the Pen Men for example), but given the number of blogs out that do share my core values, I will pick their blogs to read over the ones that I just don’t get or that make me want to get into a debate.
Alex Fayles last blog post..Practicing Flexibility to Remain Steady – Full Text Answers
Sorry….tehee,
I couldn’t resist
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Changing Colors
Wendi, ROFL! Only you would catch that! LOL!
Karen Swims last blog post..Not in Polite Company
Karen,
hehehe,
Take a look at your sidebar menu for recent posts.
Not in Polite Company and The poop in the Road are in the same list.
No one could accuse you of not being well rounded.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Changing Colors
Joanna, I really, really appreciate your comments and the insight that you offer. As I have watched the discussions it was horrifying to see how many of the discussions unfolded. Maybe Americans are fond of arguing? LOL! There are so many things that ignite the heated discussions – such as moms at work, moms at home. As I was thinking of this I remembered when I was little and no on one would say cancer out loud, they would say the “c word” in hushed tones. Now, we talk about it and it has helped raise awareness and saved lives. *Giggle* We could use a little apathy around these parts! 🙂
Karen, thanks for airing some of these issues. I’m interested to see the words ‘respect’ and ‘respectful’ come up in your post and in the comment box and I think that has to be the key to picking your way through these choppy waters.
To be honest I wouldn’t and don’t go anywhere near religion or politics on my blog. I don’t want to offend, be offended or even to know what other people’s opinions, beliefs or voting habits are. Those aren’t the things that interest me about people.
I am interested in the polarized nature of the conversation in the US though. I was shocked when I was in Chicago to hear two blogging say they couldn’t normally discuss religion or politics in company. They were interested to answer my questions about how things worked over here / over there and were enjoying having a chat about the issues – but both indicated that it was most unusual to have the freedom to do so without being judged or labelled. That struck me as very depressing, and not good for democracy.
Things are not so polarized here – though we do have a problem with apathy, which maybe follows from people not getting so hot and bothered about the issues.
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Free Your Business Writing: Guest Post at Word Sell
Wendi, shoot your comment had gotten stuck! I was not skipping over you Madame VP 😉 Thanks for the heads up on Barbara, I am going to read her post too. Can I cheer for your comments? Yay! I love the thoughtful exchange of ideas because it’s how we learn AND we learn to understand others – I dig that! I don’t like the nasty comments and attacks, that is not cool! But I realized this week that not talking about certain issues is the root of ignorance which has led to pre-judgments that are neither right nor fair.
Ellen, my dear friend, I treasure you! I feel like my life has been completely enriched by your contributions. I hate labels too, because honestly none ever fit anyway. Humans are not that simple, which is what makes life so completely beautiful. You’re also right that for many beliefs and politics are part of the brand. It all certainly makes for interesting discussions!
Hugging you all because I happen to love all of the differences, it makes for a nice tasty recipe! 🙂
Karen,
Some people become very attached to their opinions via politics and/or religion and they think it who they ARE. I don’t believe it is who you are. One of the reasons I don’t like labels.
If I do HAVE to give myself a label I will say yes, I practice Buddhism. And I know you’re a Christian. So what? I still like you. You are a good person with a good heart. That’s what matters to me. Everyone has a different path to follow that is right for them spirit wise.
I don’t mind discussing this stuff on Twitter. I think it can be done tactfully. I fear that people will never evolve if they don’t discuss stuff like this.
Journalists should NOT tweet their personal opinions on the convention floor. Journalists are supposed to be impartial.
I really don’t know what to think about this though. Should they say how they really feel on Twitter? Not at work? Hmmm….
I do not agree with using women or other races other than white as political stepping stones. I think it is quite unethical.
Well, I guess I’ve said enough for one day. Probably too much. Ha! Good post Karen!
Oh, I was going ot mention that some people do want to market themselves via their beliefs or political stand points. It’s part of their branding. What do you think?
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..The Disappearing Barns of the Midwest
Friar, I appreciate the comments! I don’t plan to change my focus and this post is not about politics or religion . I am viewing this more from the perspective of social media, marketing and branding which is a focus of not only this blog but my work. I hope that readers will not be offended by me raising the issue and asking for opinions as my intent is to embrace and not isolate. Not to worry Friar, you’re in no danger of us taking you seriously. LOL!
Karen Swims last blog post..September – New Beginnings
People take religion and politics personally, and it’s all too easy for someone to get their nose out of joint and have a hissy fit. Writing about these topics is like playing with a ticking time bomb, which can blow up in your face at any moment.
If this is what you want your Blog to be about, fine. (Some people thrive on controversy).
But if you just want to blog about marketing, inspiration, or just plain fun, I’d suggest staying away from these topics.
As for me, the last thing I want is for the Deep Friar to be taken seriously.
That’s why I stay away from subjects like God Vs. the Democrats.
I prefer to write about Asshole Squirrels and Small-town moments instead.
Friars last blog post..Lessons in Pike Psychology
Karen,
You and Barbara from Blogging without a Blog are on the exact wave length and I just posted a comment over there about the same thing. Wouldn’t want to seem like I am copying comments around blogville.
I don’t feel the need to agree with everyone. I welcome hearing about different opinions and beliefs IF the conversation can take place in a respectful, informative tone and not a tone that is discriminitive, beligerant or harmful.
I have certian religious viewpoints. I have many friends who have different ones and we can discuss these and get very excited and in to the various ideas because in the end we know that none of us KNOW anything as an absolute, we can only choose our own path for ourselves…we don’t put each other down or say they are wrong for believing something different.
Politics and these other controversial topics are the same. They are heated because they are opinion and there is no concrete proof of absolute authority in the rightness or wrongness of any of them. So if we could all just discuss it with an open mind we would get much farther.
The problem is that people get close-minded and nasty. Then we can’t talk anymore. Then there is nothing more that can be gained from any conversation.
I guess it goes back to choosing respectful and dignified friends and associates to talk with in the first place. THAT’s where the like-mindedness needs to begin.
Alex, I think you make an important point about extremes, and one that I believe is a sticking point for many people. I think that this too goes back to the issue of respect. Often we can hold differing views that are polar opposite but meet on common ground issues. Wouldn’t you agree?
Ulla, it is a complex issue isn’t it? However, I agree that discussion and yes disagreement is helpful. When we approach with respect and dignity we are not arguing to win but exchanging viewpoints. It is possible to disagree and still remain friends.
Karen,
I think it is very important how we discuss. Do we accept opinions differing from our own? Do we want to convince the other person at any cost, or are we able to listen? We have to accept that things can be seen differently, and in many cases there are shades between white and black, between right or wrong. And there is always the possibility to say: “Well, we have exchanged our arguments, we see things different, so let’s stop the discussion.”
Just my 2 cents,
Ulla
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The Early Bird and the Gold
I’ve deleted a few people I’ve been following because of their political comments on Twitter and have no problem with people doing the same with me. I’m on Twitter to expand my online community – and to me community is a group of people who share values. Not everyone will have the exact same opinion, but the extreme views on either side just don’t fit in my sense of community.
Alex Fayles last blog post..Practicing Flexibility to Remain Steady