Can politics and polite conversation coexist? Maybe it’s time to shake things up

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We were always taught two things to avoid in polite conversation are religion and politics.

But is it time to rethink that in the interest of practicing one of the cornerstones of our democracy — free and robust debate?

“No one wants to put a damper on a nice evening out or ruin a dinner party,” says Ann Elizabeth Burnett, founder and president of Elizabeth Etiquette. “Politics is a controversial topic and discussions can become rather heated.”

But Burnett suggests it can be done — carefully.

“We are all entitled to our opinions. But if you are having a heated discussion and you sense it’s going to become uncontrollable, then the best thing to do is just agree to disagree and walk away,” she tells NEWS 1130.

Where do you draw the line?

“I think once the yelling starts or perhaps someone is throwing something across the room,” Burnett laughs.

“One knows when, really, you are up against someone who is just not going to back down. When you feel that this going to happen, just redirect the subject — if you can — or remove yourself from the situation so it doesn’t become an ugly argument.”

…which does nothing for healthy political discourse.

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