No Man zone...just Curious

Updated on May 24, 2011
E.B. asks from Tacoma, WA
23 answers

Why is politics seen as off limits on this site?

I am a mom and I like politics...From any angle that can be presented. Why cant we have a debate and not get drawn in so personally?

I am asking, because things blow up here fast. And for silly political questions. Or even just noting something of political importance.

I want to note I am not bashing any political party...or mentioning affiliation. I just want to know why we as momma's cant find it in us to be able to talk politics...

1 mom found this helpful

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P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Because no one in this country can talk civilly about politics these days. We are angry and we've become too polarized.

8 moms found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

Because there are people on here who can't be nice, no matter what side of the aisle they are on. And because they start PM'ing really nasty stuff.

They do that when they don't like what people say about other hot buttons too, like home births vs hospital births, breastfeeding versus bottle feeding (like I've said before, as if there even needs to be a "versus" to it), how to get baby to sleep through the night, etc. But the political thing tends to just get so darn ugly...

Just let ONE poster start talking ugly and then ugliness ensues, and that's when the thread goes. And I for one am glad because I don't like seeing rudeness like that here.

Dawn

6 moms found this helpful

More Answers

T.N.

answers from Albany on

Well we CAN if they would LET us!

:(

8 moms found this helpful

B.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Its because the report button is being pushed!!
Our members are pushing that little button.
B. k

8 moms found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Detroit on

because to many people like clicking on report when someone doesn't feel the exact same way they do! they won't put their grown woman attitudes on and then everybody suffers. somebody is always reporting me! lol it amuses me! smh cant agree to disagree!

had to come back and edit!! Firefox is crazy!

4 moms found this helpful
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A..

answers from Kansas City on

Because people are immature.

I also love talking politics and will whenever I get the chance.

4 moms found this helpful

N.G.

answers from Dallas on

I find that irritating as well. The reason is because political debates turn QUICKLY offensive and personal. FAR too many people have opinions without facts. This means that said people must resort to personal attacks. If people would bother to debate the facts, that wouldn't happen. But, that's not going to happen any time soon, so to avoid hard feelings, there is a time and place for political discussions. There are plenty of political forums out there.

4 moms found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

Because it's just like religion and we all have our bandwagon and don't like to be disagreed with cuz we are all stubborn and think our way is the only way, I guess?

4 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

This is all in the spirit of repartee.
And the topic bodes itself to fiery opinions.
That is, the nature of 'debate.'
It is, personal... for many.

3 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I think it's because in spite of the fact that overwhelmingly women on this board have agreed that politics ARE important to moms, there are people who refuse to face facts that a person NOT of their choosing is in charge.
They still can't get used to the fact.
Too many people have a "now that we're playing with someone else's ball..we're just quitting and going home" mentality.
It's partisan resistance to cooperation.
There is no crossing or cooperation or consideration.
The majority became a minority with the election of a minority.
They won't deal.
They love to jump right in, but when pressed, are clueless.
The simple regurgitation of facts spoon fed to them by radio, television hosts etc.
It's that people refuse to LEARN and THINK for themselves because it's just "easier" to parrot their husband, their pastor, their friends, their skewed media.
Some people even when presented with facts cannot rebuff, explain or elaborate on their alleged "view"!
They know they are pi$$ed--they just don't really know why.
They fear a hand in THEIR pie and there is a whole lot of NIMBY going on.
They fear someone is getting over on them, misusing THEIR tax dollars, etc. But they can't quite explain why.
Knowledge is truly power and we've walking with a WHOLE lot of mental zombies out there right now.
I loathe the attitude "SOMEONE has to pay--but NOT ME!"
There is a genuine lack of compassion, sense of social justice and right as well as a giant flare of intolerance.
White House, Black President. Coincidence? Not likely.

As for political questions having to *DO* with parenting--um...when something effects our everyday life, then it *DOES* effect our parenting!

3 moms found this helpful
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A.F.

answers from Fargo on

Dang! I was gone for the weekend. It appears that I missed something wild!

I like talking politics, and when I say talking, I mean sharing opinions respectfully. I don't like it when opposite sides bash and get nasty. I think we all can learn from each other! :)

3 moms found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from Boca Raton on

Because people can't stand to have their world view challenged . . . (?)

Sometimes I get annoyed with complete misinformation too.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I'd rather not see too much about politics on this site. I'm on Facebook and that has become very political. Yes partly because I've joined particular pages and such on political topics. But it gets a little much sometimes.

And yet, religion seems to come up pretty often on this site and that is allowed even though it can also be a divisive subject.

2 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

because too many people are ignorant to the facts or worse, they can't face the facts about the people they support....doesn't matter what side of the fence they are on.

I will agree with Bernie and ABM - 1. women hit the "report" button and I've only done that ONCE (the pubic hair in the teeth one) and too many others are too immature to discuss politics....as they are not informed, ignorant or just plain blind when it comes to the "their side"....

Too many women complained to the Mamapedia website and said NO NO NO!!! This is ONLY about parenting...but they don't realize that politics affects parenting....

2 moms found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

probably because this is a moms site and not a political site. you could probably find a political site with moms who would love to talk politics with you.

2 moms found this helpful

T.C.

answers from Dallas on

I think it's because it's kind of like religion - people feel very passionately about it. It's not just that people lack facts or are learning new facts about their views that they don't like, it's because they just view their own view way different than the opposite side views their view. I've been so surprised at things the 'other side' has claimed that I believe.

I enjoy political debates. I've lost a couple "friends" on FB over it, though! They were on the opposite side and apparently didn't like what I had to say (and they weren't even the people I was debating with. they just happened to see what i was writing to other people). They were more like acquaintances, so it didn't matter that they signed off. I just thought it was silly. I would never unfriend someone over their political or religious beliefs. Nor do I find offense that they believe whatever they do! I might think they are crazy, though...hehe.

i've kind of backed off on debating things because i feel like it doesn't matter anyway. people are going to believe what they believe and debating doesn't really help anything. It just makes me feel stronger in my beliefs, which I guess is a form of helping.

But, I think that's why - it's such a deep belief in people (many of them) that they feel like it's something to fight for. I mean, some people would die for these beliefs. Most people feel it on a very deep level, which is why it's easy for it to get worked up into something big. Like I said, though, I enjoy debating it. I do get passionate about it, but sometimes it also makes me view my friends a little differently that they are capable of thinking how they do...hehe. I know that sounds bad, but man! Some of the things they say are mind blowing to me! I can't follow that line of thinking at all. I stay respectful, but it can get ridiculous what they say. I'm sure they think the same about me.

I feel like I'm totally rambling. Politics is a topic people are passionate about. Many are willing to die for what they believe. Same with religion. It's not like you're discussing brands of clothing. It's core beliefs. That's why many people get worked up. If politics comes up, expect that reaction and be sure to word your words as respectful as possible. It helps some, but it's often things people can't talk about without getting worked up.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Richmond on

because,
most people are happy to talk politics but only if you agree with them.
the vast majority of people will vote along either party, race, religion, or gender lines, not they are going to admit to it, but thats the way most people vote.
politics is like talking about your idiot brother in law, its funny, unit he walks in the room.
K. h.
people are afraid to talk about race and politics in the same breath, for fear of sounding racist, but, in truth, it is that fear that keeps us from looking too closely at our politicians to begin with. obamas mother was not from kansas, she came from a very wealthy family of new hampshire blue bloods, in fact, her parents had an estate on the same very private piece of real estate as the kennedys. his mother was related to both the bushes and the chaneys, and distantly related to the kennedys, as well.his father was not the son or grandson of american slaves, his father was a nigerian diplomat.this is not racist prattle, this is documented fact.

2 moms found this helpful

J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

I posted a few questions a couple weeks ago that were political in nature and they were not removed. Granted I used the disclaimer that it was not meant as a political debate but a topic to discuss. I also tried very hard to word it party neutral. What was kinda funny is people assumed I was liberal when I tend to lean more conservative. :p

I guess I am lucky I am a social liberal and a fiscal conservative so I only get into trouble when the Dems are spending too much, ya know, like right now.

2 moms found this helpful
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L.B.

answers from Seattle on

Politics often affect us and we as Mom's should stand up for our beliefs. Just because we are engulfed in raising our children doesn't mean that we shouldn't take an active role in changing how we discuss our political thoughts, or how we can get envolved in making a difference. Often time, in a simple discussion about a current event with someone, I might change my perspective. I watch Liberal and Conservative shows, this helps me to have clear understanding of a subject.....without placing my emotions into it. Don't get me wrong, once I've got the facts, I take a stand. If you ever want to talk politics, I wont get offended...whether you agree with me or not....or whether I agree with you or not.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I suggest that we don't talk politics because it's a site to ask and answer questions about our families and personal relationships. There are sites in which to discuss politics.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.B.

answers from Seattle on

This site is for questions that we might have in our minds, not a debate site. Facebook might be more what you are looking for. I myself for one do not like to talk politics.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.J.

answers from Seattle on

I don't mind politics, but my family is very opininated with their views. While I agree with them (most of the time), I get tired of hearing about politics.

My theory on why it's a hard subject to incorporate into casual conversation is that it's personal. Whether we want to believe we can be neutral or not, it's still going to step on toes. We see it time and again on this site where one person's comment isn't worded in the nicest manner and there's a blow up.

Talking politics is the equivalent of talking parenting. We all have an idea of what we believe (just like we all have an idea of how to parent). When someone suggests something that doesn't flow well, we take it personally or feel that we are protecting others from, what we deem, bad advice. So while a parent may offer advice of: Kids are fine in the car while you go in the store, other parents are going to be calling a halt. Same with politics: One may say XYZ Plan is great, but others have a different view of how that plan is affecting the economy. We intervene because we don't know what the other people reading know. Or we feel the person making the statement hasn't fully thought out the ramifications of the Plan. We don't want other people hearing just one side and making an uninformed decision.

Sadly, myself included, it's difficult to remain a calm demeanor when we have strong opinions about a topic.

I prefer to avoid politics in public sites (unless they are specifically politics oriented) I just need a reprieve from all the political stuff I hear and deal with on a daily basis.

Hope that made sense, I know I started rambling.
Yes, that's a long response. Sorry.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I don't mind a question as long as it is to genuinely encourage a sharing of opinions and knowledge as opposed to "Hey, this is what I think and if you don't think like me then you're dead wrong. So, what do you think about that?"

And yes, politics is important in parenting but honestly I would prefer that when political questions are posed they have something to actually *do* with parenting. Often they have zilch to do with parenting...like a lot of other non-political posts as well.

1 mom found this helpful
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