base talk Can You be Genuine Friends with Someone of Differing Politics?

[BOOMBAYAH]

I feel like the older I get, the more okay I am with having friends with differing politics than me. In fact, I feel like it’s actually good because I get to broaden my own political horizons, and whether I agree with them or not it’s always interesting to see why people think the way they do. Often times, they also learn stuff from me too, which is nice (and selfishly is probably the best way to change someone’s political views as opposed to being their enemy). What about you guys? Can you be friends with someone who has different politics than you, whether it be moderate differences or huge differences? 

[#Beautiful]

only if youre a disingenuous, horrible person

[cockatoo]

It really depends on what the different views are and how different they are.

 

Like I have friends who are full on Marxists and people who are dead centrists. I don't think I could be friends with anyone who was properly right wing though.

[ariananext]

If they root for someone who's against basic human rights for minorities or such things, no. I don't care about their take on subjects such as economy or taxes (although one could argue about that too tbh..) but when it goes further it's another thing. 

[shookspeare]

my friends are leftists and I'm pretty moderate so yes

[JustHoran]

Not if they are a Trumpster, QAnon, etc., no. I never could.

 

If they are a normal Republican (which is rare these days) and support LGBTQ+ rights, etc. then yes I can be friends with them.

[Orsay]

i think at some point, on some topic or issue your politics are going to diverge with anyone else, so you need to learn to accept that and respect others’ stances. on the other hand, i don’t think you should date or be close friends with someone who’s on the complete opposite side of the political spectrum as you because having such different world views will be corrosive for the relationship in the long run

[Devin]

No, I know from experience.

[BOOMBAYAH]

1 minute ago, Orsay said:

i think at some point, on some topic or issue your politics are going to diverge with anyone else, so you need to learn to accept that and respect others’ stances. on the other hand, i don’t think you should date or be close friends with someone who’s on the complete opposite side of the political spectrum as you because having such different world views will be corrosive for the relationship in the long run

I also agree with this. Although I’m open-minded, I do have some friends who I disagree with to the point of annoyance when it comes to politics, so I prefer our friendship to be more about having fun and lighthearted as opposed to talking about politics or more serious topics.
 

I think I made this decision with some friends because I do feel conflicted when I disagree with someone heavily but they also care for and love me. I don’t think I’m willing to throw someone like that away, it seems somewhat wrong.

[Armani?]

A Fascist & a Social Democrat hell to the no

 

A Conservative & a Social Democrat hell no

 

A Social Democrat & a liberal maybe

 

A Social Democrat & Socialist yes

 

[Hallad173]

To a degree, like when it comes to the economy and ****.
 

Like Human rights and Systemic Racism are a couple of topics that I HAVE to vibe with someone on. if we don’t align or can’t even have a genuine conversation about it without contention, it’s a no.

[family.guy123]

Of course.

[Jotham]

It depends on how different their political views are from mine.

Edited May 18, 2023 by Jotham

[Gorjesspazze9]

Yeah that’s how normal adult relationships and friendships work

 

[theweekend]

no way. it's the point where we differ in values is like the most important thing for me and mine are not for selling at all.

 

if we're talking to networking/friendships at work that these kind of relationships are not deep as a real friendship, there's no problem at all. until the point of something very important like if that person has discrimination views in any way, that's where we should not tolarate them.

Edited May 18, 2023 by theweekend

[vale9001]

Not with someone really extremist and dumb. But i have friends with different ideas from me but they are moderate and smart people i can have interesting discourses with, so yes i can like I think everyone over 14 should . 

Edited May 18, 2023 by vale9001

[Cesar]

no. if your republican you clearly don’t care about me.

[Clauss]

Yes. Like just respect other people’s opinion. One thing is to be right wing or left wing politically and another is like to be homophobic or racist, and this does not depend on their political view.

And I actually think it’s better. We live in democracy, we have to interact with others so we can reach agreements to the common and greater good. 

[Into The Void]

My best friend is a conservative and a Trump supporter, so yes I can be friends with people with differing views 

Edited May 18, 2023 by Insanity

[Bloo]

Depends on what issues they’re different on. If they disagree with me on civil rights, then no. 

[Material Girl]

depends on the politics 

 

if we disagree on economic policy that’s one thing but if they’re against fundamental human rights for minorities then no, i can’t just look past that.

[Forevermore.]

It really depends on which issues and how extreme the difference is. I can tolerate most differences in how to handle the economy and all that; I'm fully aware that I will never meet someone who has the same exact views as I do. 

But as a queer person of color, I will not tolerate views that conflict with my identity. Why would I want to be friends with someone who thinks I deserve less rights or see me as a lesser human being? 

[Virgos Groove]

Depends on how different and on what issues.

[State of Grace.]

I used to think you could have genuine friendships with people who sit differently on the political spectrum but not anymore. True colors will eventually come out. I am a firm believer that politics are a valid excuse to end friendships as well. I'm obviously referring to LGBTQ+/POC/immigrants/women's rights, healthcare, colonialism, list goes on.

 

I always attempt to find a common ground on basic human rights at first because that's not really an "opinion" or "differing viewpoint" to me and I don't have to "respect it and live peacefully together🌈✨". Maybe if it was about pineapple on pizza or our favorite song to blast in the car. Not saying that every single one of my friends has to share my views 100% because that's not the case, but yeah a certain level of agreement is needed.

[suneclipse121]

I could never nor would I ever want to be associated with anyone right wing. When your views on social issues are hateful and evil you automatically get put in the you do not exist to me category.