Politics, Religion and Sex Are Taboo

Halfhearted discussions of political, religious or sexual preferences can evolve into heated discourse, progress into full-blown quarreling and result in loss of friendships. I'll not bother to list all of the other topics of discussion that could easily produce the same results, as I'm sure you have a list of your own.

As a former bartender, I've actually heard myself utter these words, "Keep it friendly fellas. In here, political and religious discussions are taboo." Elsewhere, I've often heard and been told that politics, religion and sex are topics that are taboo among friends. I disagree with this premise, wholeheartedly. I'll share with you a more affable point of view, one that can be practiced among friends and family, as well as acquaintances and strangers.

What happened to agreeing to disagree? In this day and age we are continuously being conditioned to speak and to act in a politically correct manner toward others. I believe this would include being tolerant of the opinions of others. I suggest we beg to differ - a polite way of acknowledging disagreement.

How about an infomal debate among friends? Discussing the pros and cons of an issue with someone we trust and respect can allow us to strengthen our viewpoint, maybe even permit us to drop our weaker points of view. As we hash and rehash the causes and concerns dear to our hearts, we must all the while acknowledge the merits of each others' opinions.

Are we so narrow-minded that we are unable to allow others to hold a viewpoint that differs from our own? Pride can be a valuable trait in a person; pridefulness can also be considered one of the deadly sins. I advocate we weigh our opinions carefully to determine whether it is genuine self-confidence in the truth of our convictions or simply absolute arrogance that drives us to defend our position.

Can we become broad-minded enough to accept and respect the opinions of others when they differ from our own? I believe that we can. Further, I believe that we must do so in order to reap the benefits of peaceful coexistence, especially within the framework of friendship and family.

Personally, I'd welcome you sharing with me your political affiliations, your religious beliefs and your sexual preferences. I believe we should share our innermost thoughts and feelings, along with our everyday activities and concerns, with those who are important to us, those with whom we choose to share our lives.

So if you want to be my real friend, if you want to really know me - then I say to you, just as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Willie Nelson and other great artists say in song, "Why not take all of me?"