4 ms·

I agree with most of the other comments. As a staunch conservative, I have found it better to just keep my thoughts to myself. Additionally, there is usually li

I agree with most of the other comments. As a staunch conservative, I have found it better to just keep my thoughts to myself. Additionally, there is usually little to be gained from sharing your opinions. Past a certain age, most be are so set in their opinions that arguing with them achieves nothing. Personally, I enjoy a thoughtful, respectful, and in-depth discussion (maybe even debate), but most people would rather just regurgitate the media talking points or, worse, jump straight to calling you racist, homophobic, a bigot, a religious zealot, or whatever else they think will quickly shut you up. In short, it's better to just keep your thoughts to yourself.

pacomerh 4y ago
> jump straight to calling you racist, homophobic, a bigot A common reason for this is of course, if conservative leaders are promoting these ideologies then most people will infer that you as a supporter also agree with those ideologies.
asadotzler 4y ago
So, don't discuss things in terms of political parties and instead focus on actual issues and how, for example, your conservative approach to fiscal policy is better. Avoid discussions about or support of leaders who regularly proclaim how your race is superior or your sexual identity is superior and you should be fine. For example, I worked very closely with Brendan Eich for about 15 years and we had reasonable conversations on issues that he, as a strong conservative, saw very differently than me (so far to the left I can't be seen by mortal eyes, I make actual communists sound like Ronald Reagan) and I'd honestly be OK with anyone, including current colleagues, or potential employers reading any of that. It was respectful and even enlightening (but mostly entertaining.) I knew early on that Brendan had ideas in some areas that we weren't going to agree on or have a good time debating, and so I avoided those but otherwise it was a fine working relationship. Avoid being an asshole and dehumanizing others and you should be OK.

pacomerh 4y ago

> jump straight to calling you racist, homophobic, a bigot A common reason for this is of course, if conservative leaders are promoting these ideologies then most people will infer that you as a supporter also agree with those ideologies.

asadotzler 4y ago

So, don't discuss things in terms of political parties and instead focus on actual issues and how, for example, your conservative approach to fiscal policy is better. Avoid discussions about or support of leaders who regularly proclaim how your race is superior or your sexual identity is superior and you should be fine. For example, I worked very closely with Brendan Eich for about 15 years and we had reasonable conversations on issues that he, as a strong conservative, saw very differently than me (so far to the left I can't be seen by mortal eyes, I make actual communists sound like Ronald Reagan) and I'd honestly be OK with anyone, including current colleagues, or potential employers reading any of that. It was respectful and even enlightening (but mostly entertaining.) I knew early on that Brendan had ideas in some areas that we weren't going to agree on or have a good time debating, and so I avoided those but otherwise it was a fine working relationship. Avoid being an asshole and dehumanizing others and you should be OK.