Why are Politics and Religion Conversation Killers?

I have always been curious about the old adage about not discussing politics, religion, or money in polite conversation.  The question of the day is . . . if you can't discuss these issues with family, friends, or acquaintances, where and when is this discussion appropriate?

Truth be told, I can enjoy a little gossip, just like anyone else, especially if its not hurtful, but I am far more interested in people's ideas, opinions, and feelings on issues.

Whenever I meet someone new at a social gathering, the conversation usually gravitates to what people do for a living.  I suppose that is the easiest and most comfortable form of conversation.  Since most of us spend at least 40 hours a week working, we begin to believe that our work is actually who we are.  But our careers are just another channel to express ourselves.  Its our beliefs, and more importantly, our actions that truly define us.

Not that there is anything wrong with discussing a person's career, but don't be surprised if I start to glaze over.  Its the same way my casual friends feel when I get on my soap box to discuss  metaphysics.

While I have so many friends in the film industry, or whom are lawyers, insurance brokers, real estate agents, etc., I have never had the good fortune to meet a self disclosed international spy, ninja, or someone who has walked on the moon.  They might have some interesting and fun party stories!

So aside from meeting those with truly interesting careers, I am much more interested in a person's thoughts about what is happening in the world around us.  When I meet a new person, instead of asking, "What do you do for a living?", I'd rather ask "So what do you think the meaning of life is?".  Kind of bold.  I did that once when I was meeting with a young sales person who worked for me.  Scared the crap out of him.  It took him so off guard, he needed a few minutes to collect his thoughts, but we had a great conversation after that.

I want to know if people I meet are living out their dreams.  If they could do it all over, what would they change?  If money, education, timing, etc were not issues, what would they really like to be doing for a living? 

So what are our reservations about sharing our deepest personal ambitions and dreams with one another?  Are we simply afraid to share and be vulnerable?

Politics and religion are massive forces, collectively shaping and driving the world we live in.  They seek to influence our behavior on all fronts.  You can't turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper without reading a political or religious referenced story.  But they are no more than a collective of people with similar ideas, and traction to take action and implement them.

So why in the world  are we afraid to discuss our political and religious views with one another?  Are we so certain our beliefs are right, that we are afraid to see an issue from a different perspective?  Really?  Even if that person is some we really respect an like, or dare I say, love?

There are too many horror stories about family gatherings that end up as World War III once too much liquor has been served up along side these topics.  What is really sad is that if we can't share our thoughts, ideas and perceptions in a group we are close with, what does that really say about our relationships?

Why do we always have to be right?  We may not always agree, but that doesn't make an opposing view wrong.

We can't discover the the things we have in common if we are afraid to peaceably share and discuss the issues that are the most significant influences in our lives. The sooner we all realize that we are connected and cannot be unconnected, the sooner we can discover and celebrate all that we have in common.  Humanity can evolve.