2 ms·

A similar phenomenon exists in the UK though I don’t think it has a name (crack/craic is close: “what’s the crack?”), and is more related to how you (and your f

A similar phenomenon exists in the UK though I don’t think it has a name (crack/craic is close: “what’s the crack?”), and is more related to how you (and your friends) are wired, though it is a common occurrence in pubs across the country. North America (Canada specifically) is much less open to these kinds of discussions, though that could just be my social circle (or lack thereof) and it feels kind of lonely. The closest thing I could compare it to is when potheads get together to smoke and you end up talking about random stuff. The difference being that in my experience Canadians like to stay indoors and discuss safe topics eg music and other media. Granted, a major driver of this when I lived in the UK was boredom (and cannabis) but even when I visit my now mature friends from back then, we still like to take a brisk walk and shoot the breeze, just sober (OK, maybe with a few beers and cigarettes)

lanstin 5y ago
I think one point here is that people in India aren’t shying away from politics and religion. Robust conversations about fundamental questions are the norm. (Spoken as an non-Desi with a bit of travel and work experience in south India).
- Bhilai 5y ago
  Yep, discussion of politics is probably the second most common topic, first one being Cricket. Friends and neighbors agree to disagree though it has been getting quite polarized these days.
- nine_zeros 5y ago
  > I think one point here is that people in India aren’t shying away from politics and religion. Robust conversations about fundamental questions are the norm. (Spoken as an non-Desi with a bit of travel and work experience in south India). This is possible because the number of people who can sarcastically take on politicians is much larger than any group of people feeling strongly attached to said politicians.
UncleOxidant 5y ago
> North America (Canada specifically) is much less open to these kinds of discussions, though that could just be my social circle (or lack thereof) and it feels kind of lonely. The US particularly is so hyperindividualistic and isolating. > Granted, a major driver of this when I lived in the UK was boredom Nothing wrong with boredom that leads to long walks and discussions. I think we need more of that kind of boredom in the US.
- nine_zeros 5y ago
  > Nothing wrong with boredom that leads to long walks and discussions. I think we need more of that kind of boredom in the US. But then how will your existence be monetized? /s

lanstin 5y ago

I think one point here is that people in India aren’t shying away from politics and religion. Robust conversations about fundamental questions are the norm. (Spoken as an non-Desi with a bit of travel and work experience in south India).

Bhilai 5y ago
Yep, discussion of politics is probably the second most common topic, first one being Cricket. Friends and neighbors agree to disagree though it has been getting quite polarized these days.
nine_zeros 5y ago
> I think one point here is that people in India aren’t shying away from politics and religion. Robust conversations about fundamental questions are the norm. (Spoken as an non-Desi with a bit of travel and work experience in south India). This is possible because the number of people who can sarcastically take on politicians is much larger than any group of people feeling strongly attached to said politicians.

UncleOxidant 5y ago

> North America (Canada specifically) is much less open to these kinds of discussions, though that could just be my social circle (or lack thereof) and it feels kind of lonely. The US particularly is so hyperindividualistic and isolating. > Granted, a major driver of this when I lived in the UK was boredom Nothing wrong with boredom that leads to long walks and discussions. I think we need more of that kind of boredom in the US.

nine_zeros 5y ago
> Nothing wrong with boredom that leads to long walks and discussions. I think we need more of that kind of boredom in the US. But then how will your existence be monetized? /s