3 ms·

"A rule of etiquette -- in business, at the dinner table, at the barbershop and elsewhere -- is 'never talk about religion or politics.' These subjects are high

"A rule of etiquette -- in business, at the dinner table, at the barbershop and elsewhere -- is 'never talk about religion or politics.' These subjects are highly contentious and usually result in heated argument instead of general agreement. 'Never discuss religion or politics with those who hold opinions opposite to yours' has been cited in print since at least 1840. 'Do not discuss politics or religion in general company' is from 1879." https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/never_talk_about_religion_or_politics_etiquette_rule https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/nev... I think we will somehow survive as a society without hearing this dude's thoughts on incest. And yes, I think people would be better served spending their time on hobbies than arguing politics on the Internet.

theelous3 4y ago
The person is not walking in to business meetings arguing the ethics of incest. Clearly they understand this given their declaration of a throwaway. I think it's also probably safe to say they're not delivering these opinions as non-sequiturs. If there is some news article posted for discussion about incest, and I showed up to say "I don't like incest", I doubt I'd find anyone telling me about references to > 1840, The Corsair, “The Letter Bag of the Great Western,” pg. 775, col. 1 But look what seems to happen at the inverse? Make of the opinion what you will, but bashing the engagement is a bit rich. OP is just giving the outsiders perspective to the hivemind. It's worth hearing now and then imo.
- Izkata 4y ago
  > OP is just giving the outsiders perspective to the hivemind. It's worth hearing now and then imo. Sometimes it can even be fun. I've gotten a surprising number of upvotes with no supporting comments in the past on here, presumably from others too afraid to speak up.
Hizonner 4y ago
You're on Hacker News saying people shouldn't talk about politics? Either you're badly lost, or you don't recognize politics even when they hit you over the head.
cvalka 4y ago
Hobbies are overrated. Arguing politics on the Internet is another hobby.

theelous3 4y ago

The person is not walking in to business meetings arguing the ethics of incest. Clearly they understand this given their declaration of a throwaway. I think it's also probably safe to say they're not delivering these opinions as non-sequiturs. If there is some news article posted for discussion about incest, and I showed up to say "I don't like incest", I doubt I'd find anyone telling me about references to > 1840, The Corsair, “The Letter Bag of the Great Western,” pg. 775, col. 1 But look what seems to happen at the inverse? Make of the opinion what you will, but bashing the engagement is a bit rich. OP is just giving the outsiders perspective to the hivemind. It's worth hearing now and then imo.

Izkata 4y ago
> OP is just giving the outsiders perspective to the hivemind. It's worth hearing now and then imo. Sometimes it can even be fun. I've gotten a surprising number of upvotes with no supporting comments in the past on here, presumably from others too afraid to speak up.

Hizonner 4y ago

You're on Hacker News saying people shouldn't talk about politics? Either you're badly lost, or you don't recognize politics even when they hit you over the head.

cvalka 4y ago

Hobbies are overrated. Arguing politics on the Internet is another hobby.