Should politics be allowed to be talked about and debated at work?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:08:11 -0400

At work I have talked about politics and religion (the two they tell you to always avoid) with co-workers and we for the most part enjoy the conversations and respected each other's opinion and keep it professional. However, there are some times when people just go off and it gets out of hand. What do you feel about controversial conversations like politics and religion? Should they be allowed to be talked about and debated at work?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 12:12 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:12:01 -0400

Key phrase: KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. Don't just give them piece of your mind. Anticipate reaction and phrase your argument accordingly, so everyone wins or at least agrees to disagree.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 12:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:12:57 -0400

I try to avoid those conversations at work unless someone else opens it up and they express views similar to mine. I do my best not to get into opposing views at all at work.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Sep 25 at 2014 12:17 AM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:17:12 -0400

Those are 2 out of 3 things I try not to discuss with employees at work. When people have opposing arguments those discussions tend to escalate fast.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 1 at 2014 8:56 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:56:24 -0400

It is true that these two topics can, and do, become inflammatory. You hit upon the key, keep it professional. Debate is a healthy on any topic, even these. The issue becomes when the discussion begins to depart from logical, and thoughtful argument and veers off into the emotional realm, that is when 'debate' ends, and so should the discussion so as not to cause 'butt-hurt'.

Response by SSG John Erny made Oct 1 at 2014 6:11 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:11:52 -0400

It is the those on the left that seem to get butthurt when you do no agree with their point of view; followed by, "your a Hater!!!" I will defend any one's right to have a point of view so respect mine.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 10:34 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 10:34:10 -0400

I actually have had this come up recently.

I believe that ONE reason our country is so polarized is because it has become social norm to not talk about these things. Apparently passionate debates in attempting to sway someones disposition are a thing of the past. In cultures and societies past, people discussed the politics of their country, heck even in the 60 and 70's we did it. Somewhere after that Americans decided it was too much trouble. Politicians love that we don't discuss it, because we've elected them to represent us - and because we don't communicate with them - they're given much more brevity in the decision on their very own. Politicians should be voting based on what their electorate has communicated to them - not based on their own interests and/or the interests of businesses who have invested in their campaign.

I believe the best way to educate yourself on a polarized topic is to approach it as a opposing-view argument. Look at the best material that both sides have to offer and use your rationale and logic to determine which offers the best argument. It also involves what serves you best emotionally, to be true to yourself so to speak.

I recently told my co-workers: "If no one ever talks about these things - nothing will ever get fixed in our society. We cannot hide from adversity or arguments - we must take them head on and grow stronger in our own beliefs and opinions and in the process learn the reasoning of those who stand opposite of ours." (Paraphrased for clarity)

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 1 at 2014 3:41 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 15:41:17 -0400

I avoid conversations about religion and politics, even if the person speaking happens to match my beliefs. If someone initiates that type of conversation, I make my phone go BRRRRRING! BRRRRRING! and then I walk away.

Response by SGT Scott Curtice made Nov 5 at 2014 12:01 PM

SGT Scott Curtice — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:01:07 -0500

Not enough debate on issues, and how to solve them. Coming together, getting creative, and finding solutions. Emotions, arguments over nonsense seem to win out, and that shows at the national level with our Congress. Most of the biggest issues, and lack of fixing them is both parties fault, yet instead of working to fix the, it's all about who can blame the other loudest.

For me at work, discussions happen my peers, as a director, and we generally are very respectful of each others views, and other than all being men, are a very diverse group, so we get some great perspectives. We also do a pretty good job about keeping away from political party norms and philosophies in our discussions, though we kid our Texas representative about his trucks gun rack, and that it's always empty when he picks us up at the airport.

I'd say for the most part, there aren't a ton of political discussions, I work in the hospitality industry

Response by SSG Charles Coats made Dec 2 at 2014 8:23 AM

SSG Charles Coats — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:23:07 -0500

Absolutely! As SPC Edison says below, we have been conditioned to shy away from discussion/debate, particularly in the workplace. Although reasoned debate is what is needed, too often many differences devolve into shouting matches and each party interrupting the other so there is no chance for learning/informing.

Also, many folks tend to believe that debate involves just repeating what they heard on the T.V. and without researching the topic at hand before offering an opinion, which is just plain nauseating...

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 20 at 2015 1:00 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 13:00:42 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, "I have found that those who observe the rule to avoid discussing politics and religion tend to discuss sports politically and religiously."

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 2:21 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 14:21:40 -0400

It's a definite no go zone. However, when you brave the elements to go there you will find that political and religious talk are only useful when you speak to like minded individuals. Therefore, if you have a different opinion, critical thought, or facts to add it is best to keep them to yourself. Because, you're just wasting your breath with individuals that do not care about the facts or critical thinking or analyzing the merits of a debate or questioning of a particular topic.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 13 at 2016 9:09 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 13 May 2016 21:09:04 -0400

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 14 at 2016 10:49 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sat, 14 May 2016 10:49:53 -0400

I am fine with them being allowed as long as people can keep the conversation civil. I have talked about both with coworkers plenty of times before but then it's usually when there is only a couple of us around and it depends on the person too.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2017 1:32 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 13:32:44 -0500

Sir, I would say no.

A big part of this is because I've always been taught to try to display the best qualities in the rank and position you want to hold. I want to be a commissioned officer one day, commanding troops. In order to do that effectively I can't allow the perception of inproperity to be created within my ranks. I need to work towards creating an environment in which all soldiers, regardless of their sexual orientation, political and religious affiliations feel comfortable that I can solve their issues and work effectively on their behalf.

My father, a retired 0-4, broke it down simply for me. He stated that a commander should provide a calming presence for his/her unit. Troops should be relieved to see the commander in times of trouble, not annoyed/scared.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 28 at 2021 1:14 AM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 01:14:53 -0500

No, but that doesn't preclude such discussion off-duty. If those off-duty discussions become on-duty problems, that should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.