Commentary
-
Our commentary partners will help you reach your own conclusions on complex topics.
I read an article the other day in New York Magazine about the “New Rules” of etiquette – including making tipping your extravagance (yes, concur) and “no name-dropping celebrity nicknames” – he may be Bobby to you, but let’s call him Robert DeNiro in polite company.
One topic the article didn’t cover, to my consternation: How to gracefully navigate a world in which everyone has an opinion, and wants to tell you that yours Is wrong.
I know the pandemic’s effects are still making themselves known, and we’re all still in the process of remembering how to function in restaurants and on planes and such – but what I’m talking about is basic, straightforward human communication. Small talk, if you will.
The conversational landscape is a fraught one, these days. The etiquette surrounding not talking about things like politics – or money, or, trans athletes, or even who uses what bathroom when using which body part – has dissolved, and in many ways that’s a positive thing. We’re saying the quiet parts out loud. But this increased willingness to communicate one’s views seems to go hand-in-hand with a total belief in their absolute, factual accuracy. And the vastness of topics that politics have seeped into have left seemingly everyone with an opinion on seemingly everything.
The other day, I struck up a conversation in a nail salon with a woman who referred to the pandemic as a “plandemic.” It took me a minute to follow what she was getting at, but by then another woman a few seats down was already warning her (maybe us?) to watch what we say around here. To be clear, I had no horse in this race; I just wanted to get my nails done. I went with Ferrari Red, by the way.
Another example: At my child’s scout meeting, I got into a conversation about vaccines – just a bad idea across the board, but it wasn’t my choice – with a couple of parents who were medical professionals. But they were anti-vax. And – I think – anti-Ukraine. So pro Russia? And also very into wellness, and all of this was way too much for me to follow.
So what does a person who does not want to get into the minutiae of politics over a quick polish change do? I think Step 1 has to be: Assume you don’t really know what the person you’re talking to has been through. They could be coming off a nice long chat about Chinese spy balloons with their Aunt Gwendolyn, or have just read an article that’s gotten them – rightly or wrongly – fired up, they could be grieving a loss. Or they could be going through their own personal issues that you have no idea about.
Step 2? If you have the emotional bandwidth, I find that asking questions always works. If you want to engage and share your own opinions, sure, but from the standpoint that your conversational companion may not be up for a listen. And when all else fails? Just do what I did at the scout meeting: Say, “you know, that’s interesting, but I don’t really follow politics.” And then, if you’re me, cross your fingers and hope they don’t google you.
-
Why I doubt Trump will be convicted in hush money case
Donald Trump is the first former president to face trial on criminal charges. In the first of potentially four trials, Trump entered a plea of not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges stem from a $130,000 payment made to the adult actress and stripper Stormy Daniels, which aimed to keep her…
-
Political comedy has a role to play in Gaza
Political comedians in the U.S. have sometimes struggled to cover the war in Gaza, which has been defined by tremendous human suffering and high political polarization, none of which seems particularly funny. Comedian Ramy Youssef attempted to tackle some of those issues in an opening monologue of a recent “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) episode. Straight…
-
Republicans don’t care about female voters
Women make up the largest demographic among registered voters in America and consistently participate in elections, with over 68% turning out to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Some political analysts suggest that with the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade, abortion has become a key issue among voters, benefiting Democratic candidates. However, in the…
-
Birth control disinformation confuses young women on social media
A new social media trend may be responsible for spreading online disinformation about women’s birth control. Influencers and content creators have been publishing content that critics say is not only wrong but also potentially dangerous for young women and girls. Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid confronts that disinformation and tries to clarify the pros…
-
A grim reminder of some of Trump’s most disturbing statements
While mobilizing support for U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno in Ohio, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump warned of dire consequences if he —Trump — were to lose the election. This wasn’t the first instance where the former president delivered a rally speech to threaten violence or warn of a doomsday scenario should Biden secure…
Latest Opinions
-
More Dems signal willingness to save Johnson from speakership vote
-
NASA worm returns as interest in space grows around the world
-
SF DA seeks restitution for drivers delayed by Golden Gate Bridge protest
-
Mexico disrupts China’s potential plan to infiltrate US EV market
-
Free speech fight after USC cancels valedictorian’s speech
Popular Opinions
-
In addition to the facts, we believe it’s vital to hear perspectives from all sides of the political spectrum.