POLL: Did the Political Campaign Cost You Any Friendships?
We're hearing reports of long-time friendships being cut off, especially on social media, during the bitterly contested campaign. Did it happen to you?
The arguing is over.
Admittedly, arguing over politics never really ends in the United States; that's part of the price we pay for living in a constitutional republic, in which the big decisions are made by a majority of the citizens. But at least, with the question of "who's going to be president the next four years?" settled, the arguing can settle back down to the ordinary background noise of bickering, as opposed to the daily shoutfests in which so many seemed to be engaged during the campaign.
Or can it? We're hearing lots of reports about long-time relationships being cut off in recent months, especially on social media, as people discover that, "Oh my God, you're a (fill in the blank)?" "You support THAT guy?" "Don't you care about health care? Gun control? Abortion? Religious freedom? Women's rights? The separation of church and state?"
Because we live in Minnesota, a state with lots of Republicans and Democrats rubbing up against each other, we're wondering how common an experience this is. Have you blocked anyone on Facebook over what you consider outrageous opinions? Has it happened to you? And now that the election season is over, can we all be friends again?
Please take part in our poll, and explain your responses in the comments below.
Larry Thompson
1:02 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
If it did they were not worth keeping anyway. We all have a right to an opinion. You can like it or not. Either way it is a right. If your "friend" cannot accept that then they do not deserve you.
Michele
1:02 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
Excellent question! I actually voted "Yes, and good riddance!". But I want to be clear: I enjoy friendships with people who disagree with me politically. The people I cut off were Facebook "friends" who didn't just disagree, but posted rude, inflammatory posts and downright bigoted statements. IMO, that shows a lack of consideration for my family and friends online, and so a lack of consideration for me. We ARE judged by our companions, being social creatures, and I would not want my children to think that I associate with bigots.
Beth Houston
1:02 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
I got called every name in the book short of a death threat over whom I voted for.