Gothamist: Politics for the Un-Political

jen h.

Tue, 18 May 2004 14:41:48 -0500

Being asked this question only "every month or so" is not a lot. I mean, compare it to how many watercooler conversations you've had about American Idol or The Apprentice! It's nice to hear (at least anecdotally) that some people are interested in and engaging others about politics. Why so much anger about being asked for one's opinion? Does it feel too personal and invasive? Should other people read your mind and know that you're apolitical? Is there an expectation that others should be as apolitical as you? In answer to your question, how about "I don't know" or "I'm not sure," followed with a shrug and a smile? I find "I don't really follow [fill in the blank]" and a change in subject works well. Most people just want an opening to share their own opinions, anyway.

astrid

Fri, 14 May 2004 11:57:30 -0500

For those who are undecided, I liked this website, Presidentmatch.com. It asks you how you feel about issues, and then matches you with a candidate. It ain't exact science, but it gets you thinking about issues.

larry dvm

Thu, 13 May 2004 17:00:49 -0500

You know why religion and politics are usually such touchy subjects? Because people are shockingly closed-minded and find it hard to believe that there are people who think differently from themselves. I've lost friends over my politics. It's like . . . can you imagine?!

Hashim

Thu, 13 May 2004 16:36:09 -0500

Ruidh is right- a joke is the perfect answer

tien

Thu, 13 May 2004 00:46:52 -0500

i think any entry that can work a simpsons character in is a good one. gotta love when quimby went from room to room at the "sleep eazy motel" and said "vote quimby".

L

Wed, 12 May 2004 13:11:42 -0500

Thank god for this posting! Politics and religion are interesting topics, no doubt, but they both tend to incite rather inflammatory conversation. I know that many of my friends read this site, and I hope this will smack them with a clue-by-four.

Ruidh

Wed, 12 May 2004 13:04:11 -0500

Q: "So who's running on the Apathy Party this year?" A: "Who cares!?"

Ruidh

Wed, 12 May 2004 13:03:14 -0500

You need a joke answer: "I'm voting for Andrew Jackson -- anyone who puts an Andrew Jackson in my pocket is getting my vote." Or "I'm voting a straight Apathy Party ticket this year." Frankly, prople who ask these questions are insecure morons who can't make up their own minds and who want to be sure they end up voting for the guy who wins so they have plenty of others to blame it on. Don't enable their codependency.