discussing politics in public

would it bother you if a family member constantly started / engaged in political discussions with strangers in public places ( ie, small shops , department and grocery stores with other customers etc? do you think it is appropriate? just looking to get some unbiased feedback as to whether or not I am being reasonable.

Re: discussing politics in public

I would not personally. People can get very angry over politics.

Re: discussing politics in public

I hate that.
I don't believe you should be discussing politics at work, or with strangers... ever.
Just not appropriate.

Re: discussing politics in public

I don't think it's inappropriate unless these discussions are always negative or heated. It wouldn't bother me.

I personally wouldn't do it but I don't talk to strangers in general.

discussing politics in public

Hrm..

If we don't talk about it, then there's no way to educate. We leave the news to being the informants. We leave the opinions of bias to the support of beliefs. To me that's not good. So I support open, level headed calm discussion. I hear it over lunch, at the book store, while in line just about everywhere.

NO one needs to get into a fight. There's a lot trump supporters in this town of blue. They didn't win our city but they didn't rub it in our face that he won the election either. But you hear them talk trying to defend what's going on. You hear the other sides trying to understand the mess of it all. You hear others just wondering what's going on in general and trying not to be alarmists. Then you hear the protesters yelling screaming and calling names, not listening at all just protesting.

I think talking a politics is necessary. But never when it gets out of hand. You need to know when to walk away. I never insult the other side and call them names. Although I've been told I shouldn't have voted and I'm pathetic and worthless as a female. I just take it because I am a woman who voted and I could have just stayed quiet. I spoke my voice and that's my right too. I don't feel ashamed speaking up because if I don't no one will.

Re: discussing politics in public

I think that's totally inappropriate. I also hate it when strangers try to engage me in political discussions.

Re: discussing politics in public

I used to think it was rude but after the results of this election, I no longer avoid political discourse in public. It amazes me how different and diverse the opinions are of my neighbors, family, friends and I have no qualms guaging people's reactions if the topic of politics comes up in public spaces. This election revealed how divided Americans truly are with respect to how we view current events and the world- so now that its all gloves off, I am all for complete transparency in political public discourse. No holds barred!

Re: discussing politics in public

I guess it would depend on the situation IMO. If someone was talking about politics and saying x, y, and z and I knew x and y to be wrong, factually not merely a difference of opinion, yeah, I'd probably speak up. Of course this should be done in a calm and respectful manner. But like a previous poster mentioned, if we aren't open to talking about it, how will anything ever change?

But it sounds like this person is just going around and saying to random people "Well how do YOU feel about insert inflammatory political action here?" which is the wrong way to go about it and inappropriate.

Message edited 2/13/2017 10:51:46 AM.

Re: discussing politics in public

I would think they're crazy if they're just going around unprovoked and yammering about it to people that they don't know.

discussing politics in public

Not appropriate at all. I'm all for keeping my opinions to myself in public. It would only cause arguments.

discussing politics in public

A little more background : So the pattern is the family member will get into a regular , small talk type of conversation with someone and then something in the conversation would some- how , indirectly be related to politics , and at that point she turns the conversation over to what is going on with Trump. luckily , she hasn't spoken with any Trump supporters , only like minded people , but the conversations get pretty intense.

Re: discussing politics in public

I don't like to discuss politics with strangers and would find it odd if someone came up to me to discuss politics in person.

Re: discussing politics in public

inappropriate and from your second post with background sounds like attention-seeking and provocatory behavior.

Re: discussing politics in public

With your update, I don't see anything wrong with it. It's not as if they are badgering strangers. Politics is the hot topic as of late, I think it's natural for these things to come up in small talk. I mean, if it makes you uncomfortable stick to talking about the weather or how awful Fifty Shades Darker is, but I don't really see anything wrong with it.

Message edited 2/13/2017 1:13:28 PM.

discussing politics in public

sounds like my father!! i hate it and it makes me a little uncomfortable because you don't know how other people feel, and I'd rather keep my political viewpoints to myself

discussing politics in public

I was at the Allergia on Sunday with a friend plus 2 I dont know. The topic turned to politics and it was civil and there was a difference of opinions. I dont general talk politics in public I usually just yes people no matter what they say. I dont think its wrong to start a conversation about anything. If people want to engage they will if not the conversation will go no where

Like the poster above me:( I can see it being embarrassing

Message edited 2/13/2017 8:25:10 PM.