Pick a side!!!

66Mustang

Has anyone noticed that with most topics or issues where there are different “factions” with their clashing opinions, you are almost forced to pick a side…and if you don’t, BOTH sides take a disliking to you?

I think of myself as what I call a “moderate” when it comes to my stance on most issues. There are only a handful of issues where I actually take a side.

For example the big issues…

Politics - I don’t consider myself left- or right-wing.

Climate change - I worry about it but at the same time don’t want to go back to the dark ages.

But also the smaller or less important “issues”…

Fireworks - I have a dog and understand fireworks affect animals but I also appreciate fireworks bring joy to a lot of people.

Sports - I rarely support a sports team, I just enjoy watching good play on the part of both sides.

I could go on and on but those are just a few examples.

With all of my examples, if I said to someone on either side that I understand their opinion but also can see the merits of the opposite opinion, they would see me as their opponent.

Has anyone noticed the same? Has it always been like this or is it a modern thing?

Let me know your thoughts!

OverlyAnxious

Yes.  It seems to happen more on here than any other forum I've been on!!  Haven't worked out why that is yet. 

I have older relatives that have done this for as long as I can remember, so I don't think it's a new thing. 

I also don't think it's a generational thing though, as one of my older relatives was very similar to us, in seeing things from both sides and being 'live & let live'.

Honestly, it's one of the reasons I always found speaking difficult from a mental perspective (before physical issues prevented it).  II didn't want to upset other people, but rarely agreed with their single minded view on things.  It's better just to say nothing at all...  Then they complain that you don't speak! 

66Mustang

@OverlyAnxious

I wasn't meaning in particular that it happens on here (though it does) I just mean everywhere i.e. forums, social media, real life, news, radio call-ins etc.

I am very similar with speaking!! I don't like to upset people so I tend to just nod and smile or give a non-committing answer. In my family I am known as very fair and unbiased but I wonder if thats because I don't have the confidence to speak? Ha ha.

I remember learning back at school about "safe conversation topics" and now I tend to just stick to those when I am at a dinner party or something. If the discussion moves onto politics or anything "unsafe" I will stay quiet. Like you say then you get told off for not speaking lol!!

66Mustang

@Biblioklept

Thanks for sharing.

I think I am similar. I like hearing both sides of an argument too. I find you learn more. There is a saying along the lines of "I never learnt anything from someone I agreed with"!

Most people I find prefer to talk with like-minded people who share the same opinion and give each other validation. E.g. someone who is racist just likes to talk in a group with other racists. A bit rude but I call what they do a "circle jerk".

I like the song by the way.

66Mustang

I agree @Teddybear12

Just to reiterate though, my thread is not about this website, it's about peoples attitude everywhere in life.

When I wrote my comments I actually had a typical dinner party in mind lol

66Mustang

Maybe you missed one of my dinner parties @Biblioklept

The last time we went to a restaurant as a large family group is best forgotten!!!!

66Mustang

Noted @Teddybear12  

In all seriousness this thread is not prompted by anything on here. If there was an argument on here I probably missed it myself because having to avoid any and all conflict including online is part of my issues. Same reason I did not watch the budget just now, I just read about it after, as I can't deal with the insults and arguments and such that are thrown around in parliament!!

Sandy_123

It would be boring if everyone had the same opinion, differences are good and sometimes make you think about your own. 

66Mustang

Biblioklept said:

66Mustang said:

Maybe you missed one of my dinner parties @Biblioklept

The last time we went to a restaurant as a large family group is best forgotten!!!!

I always thought most families all have the same opinions

Well we all agreed not to have a pudding if that counts  

Tori_Scope

Is that from the Tim Minchin song @Biblioklept?  

leeCal

One thing I’d never say at a dinner party is how awful the food is! 🤣

L_Volunteer

Probably not the best thing to say @leeCal