It's never been professional or a good place to have political discussions at work because it's awkward and causes problems. And a racist list of names doesn't

It's never been professional or a good place to have political discussions at work because it's awkward and causes problems. And a racist list of names doesn't set a good example either. As long as employees aren't told what opinions, beliefs to hold, and causes to rally behind, carry on. To not be able to express an opinion related to work, or say, the weather, would just be ridiculously-insane. Complaining does lead to more complaining, winging, and whining. It's best to not tolerate it but to do so softly: tease and suggest action. Complaining about what is "wrong" is sometimes rooted in a shared experience observation but it can just as well be people passively seeking others to fix things for them. The point being one could spend that time and energy complaining working to try to fix it.