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Bite my tongue?; ...politics in meetings.
Topic Started: Jun 19 2006, 06:37 AM (369 Views)
The 89th Key
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Ok, each Monday morning, my department has a "Coordinators" meeting, where the supervisors and coordinators meet to discuss the status of certain projects. There are only about 10 of us in it.

Although politics are rarely mentioned in the work environment, today someone made a comment about a program that Bush cut and this one lady said out loud, "Well, it doesn't surprise me, Bush never gets anything right. Never."

Now, I bit my tongue and didn't say anything although one or two co-workers know (and sometimes share) my political stance.

My question...should I bite my tongue? I did, because in the end, it would be futile to say anything back, and it would also only cause negative reactions from other people.

Although I'm not saying it is a partisan problem...and maybe it's just because Bush is in office right now, but how come it seems that if a liberal speaks up and makes a critical comment about Bush that no one says anything, or gets really offended. But if a conservative makes a positive political comments or rather a negative one about liberals, that suddenly that's "offensive". Again, maybe it's because I only see it from my point of view...but it seems conservatives tolerate comments better than liberals do, rather, that liberals get offended easier or something... :shrug:
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
As you are well aware, politics gets personal with just about everybody. You bring up what your beliefs are, even if they're in a positive and objective light, and it's going to tick somebody off. Odds are, it'll tick off about half of those around you (or even more so in your profession, eh?) Could even be your boss or another superior. That's not good. I'd say bite your tongue, every time. Where would that conversation go if you actually did speak up? Would anything change, other than you making some potential enemies at work? It's totally not worth it.

EDIT
Quote:
 
Again, maybe it's because I only see it from my point of view...but it seems conservatives tolerate comments better than liberals do, rather, that liberals get offended easier or something...


Yeah man, that's your point of view talking. That's a fairly ridiculous conclusion, to think that how one handles outside opinions has anything to do with their political affiliation. It has to do with maturity.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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LWpianistin
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It's because ALL liberals are brain-dead, and are also mentally retarded, you must remember. :wave:
And how are you today?
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LWpianistin
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HOLY CARP!!!
Aqua Letifer
Jun 19 2006, 06:41 AM
As you are well aware, politics gets personal with just about everybody. You bring up what your beliefs are, even if they're in a positive and objective light, and it's going to tick somebody off. Odds are, it'll tick off about half of those around you (or even more so in your profession, eh?) Could even be your boss or another superior. That's not good. I'd say bite your tongue, every time. Where would that conversation go if you actually did speak up? Would anything change, other than you making some potential enemies at work? It's totally not worth it.

what he said.
And how are you today?
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Nina
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Is it possible that the woman who spoke up initially was out of line? (I think she was, personally.)
If so, why would you want to emulate her?

Biting tongue good thing at work. ;)

If the meeting derailed into a political jousting match (which is very likely had anyone said anything pro- or con-Bush) then the manager has a problem. Managers don't like problems, and they don't like problem people.
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Nina
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LWpianistin
Jun 19 2006, 07:41 AM
It's because ALL liberals are brain-dead, and are also mentally retarded, you must remember. :wave:

They also pick their noses and eat their boogers. :ph43r:
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JBryan
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Those sorts of comments are inappropriate in that setting. Let others demonstrate their buffoonery by being ignorant or unheedful of decorum. In other words, let them be the loud mouth drunk at the local saloon. Your silence does not indicate agreement.
"Any man who would make an X rated movie should be forced to take his daughter to see it". - John Wayne


There is a line we cross when we go from "I will believe it when I see it" to "I will see it when I believe it".


Henry II: I marvel at you after all these years. Still like a democratic drawbridge: going down for everybody.

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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
Trust me, you don't want to get a reputation as someone who talks politics in meetings.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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The 89th Key
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Aqua Letifer
Jun 19 2006, 10:41 AM
As you are well aware, politics gets personal with just about everybody. You bring up what your beliefs are, even if they're in a positive and objective light, and it's going to tick somebody off. Odds are, it'll tick off about half of those around you (or even more so in your profession, eh?) Could even be your boss or another superior. That's not good. I'd say bite your tongue, every time. Where would that conversation go if you actually did speak up? Would anything change, other than you making some potential enemies at work? It's totally not worth it.

EDIT
Quote:
 
Again, maybe it's because I only see it from my point of view...but it seems conservatives tolerate comments better than liberals do, rather, that liberals get offended easier or something...


Yeah man, that's your point of view talking. That's a fairly ridiculous conclusion, to think that how one handles outside opinions has anything to do with their political affiliation. It has to do with maturity.

Yeah I guess you're right. I admit it's a limited sample, I just know if I spoke up, they would get really offended, think little of me, etc. Yet, when they speak up, myself and another republican in the room both smile and shrug it off. I admit it's a limited and biased opinion.

Quote:
 
Where would that conversation go if you actually did speak up? Would anything change, other than you making some potential enemies at work? It's totally not worth it.


Yeah, exactly what I'm thinking too.
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The 89th Key
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Nina, JB, John, you're right...if I said anything, I would be dropping to her level...AKA, being just another jackass who talks politics at work. Which I (believe it or not) usually don't. Although I know a few people have seen my Bush stickers on my car. :lol:

LW, I can only imagine if Larry Fletcher was in that meeting! :D :sword: :D
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kenny
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Nina
Jun 19 2006, 06:44 AM
LWpianistin
Jun 19 2006, 07:41 AM
It's because ALL liberals are brain-dead, and are also mentally retarded, you must remember.  :wave:

They also pick their noses and eat their boogers. :ph43r:

And the athiest ones eat each other's boggies.

They have this exchange thing on the Internet so everyone can taste liberal, brain dead, mentally retarded athiest boggies from around the world. :silly:
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LWpianistin
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HOLY CARP!!!
The 89th Key
Jun 19 2006, 06:53 AM

LW, I can only imagine if Larry Fletcher was in that meeting! :D :sword: :D

:D
And how are you today?
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Nina
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There's a reason why Larry is self-employed! :D
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Oh I forgot to mention...

After that lady made the comment, Guy 'A' said, "Well he did just kill that Zarqawi fellow..." and Guy 'B' had the nerve to reply, "...and that affects my life how?".

But he said it half-joking, so we went back to the meeting. But I guess it's good I don't say anything and look like a complete moron. I can do that without talking about politics anyway. :sombrero:

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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Quote:
 
But I guess it's good I don't say anything and look like a complete moron. I can do that without talking about politics anyway.


Well if you ever need any new tips, let me know. This is an area I tend to excel in. :wink:
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Nobody's Sock
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We liberals also like to sniff our own farts and drive hybrids.

We are very smug about our hybrids too.

It is widely known that the city of SF has alot of smug pollution.
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
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kenny
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:sombrero:

I'm the smuggiest!
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Rick Zimmer
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The 89th Key
Jun 19 2006, 06:37 AM

My question...should I bite my tongue? I

Definitely. Not only in meetings, but also in more social work-oriented settings -- such as lunch with co-workers.

Also, never have alcohol at any company sponsored event (like a holiday party), even if it is offered.
[size=4]Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul -- Benedict XVI[/size]
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Horace
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HOLY CARP!!!
When someone talks politics in a meeting I'm in, I bolt out of my seat, jump onto the table, leap towards them over all the donuts and paper, crouch in front of them and yell "THAT IS THE STUPIDEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD. YOU WILL NOW PAY DEARLY!!" Then I grab them by the neck and lift them out of their chair and swing them over my head several times before eventually flinging them against the wall. As they lie crumpled in the corner I spin around and lock eyes with everybody else at the table and yell "WHO'S NEXT???" This usually nips political discussions in the bud, leaving more time for efficient productivity.
As a good person, I implore you to do as I, a good person, do. Be good. Do NOT be bad. If you see bad, end bad. End it in yourself, and end it in others. By any means necessary, the good must conquer the bad. Good people know this. Do you know this? Are you good?
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kenny
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Horace
Jun 19 2006, 07:25 AM
When someone talks politics in a meeting I'm in, I bolt out of my seat, jump onto the table, leap towards them over all the donuts and paper, crouch in front of them and yell "THAT IS THE STUPIDEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD. YOU WILL NOW PAY DEARLY!!" Then I grab them by the neck and lift them out of their chair and swing them over my head several times before eventually flinging them against the wall. As they lie crumpled in the corner I spin around and lock eyes with everybody else at the table and yell "WHO'S NEXT???" This usually nips political discussions in the bud, leaving more time for efficient productivity.

Cool! :hair:
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Rick Zimmer
Jun 19 2006, 07:23 AM
The 89th Key
Jun 19 2006, 06:37 AM

My question...should I bite my tongue? I

Definitely. Not only in meetings, but also in more social work-oriented settings -- such as lunch with co-workers.

Also, never have alcohol at any company sponsored event (like a holiday party), even if it is offered.

Oh c'mon.... Open bar, d00d!!!!! :biggrin:

Yeah, I agree though. Well, might have one so you don't look like an alcohol prude and make others uncomfortable.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Rick Zimmer
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Fulla-Carp
Aqua Letifer
Jun 19 2006, 07:26 AM

Yeah, I agree though.  Well, might have one so you don't look like an alcohol prude and make others uncomfortable.

Ya' gotta have a drink in your hand -- for that reason. But I always have a coke or 7-Up.

There are enough people who don't drink these days that not having alcohol is not really a problem, assuming anyone even knows what's in your glass.

No one will remember that you behaved yourself well at a work-related social event. But everyone, including the boss, will remember if you made an ass of yourself, even if it was only one comment coming from a well-lubricated tongue. And whatever you say, even if only to one person, will likely get retold to everyone if it is gossip-worthy.
[size=4]Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul -- Benedict XVI[/size]
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George K
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Finally
Rick Zimmer
Jun 19 2006, 11:21 AM
No one will remember that you behaved yourself well at a work-related social event. But everyone, including the boss, will remember if you made an ass of yourself

A closed mouth gathers no feet.
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Dewey
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HOLY CARP!!!
Never discuss politics in an office setting. The woman who made the comment was out of line; for you to offer counterpoint just makes you as out of line as she was.

Basic rule of thumb: never offer your political viewpoints unless:

1. Someone genuinely asks you, "What is your opinion of X?" It's amazing how rarely anyone really cares what your political beliefs are, so this question will almost never be asked.
2. You're at lunch with another individual or small group, and you know that everyone has the exact same political beliefs - in other words, never.
3. You're in the Coffee Room. ^_^

If something like that happens again, try to quickly, politely redirect the conversation back to the real purpose of the meeting in a positive manner. If the person persists, tell them bluntly that political discussion is inappropriate in the given setting and not relevant to the meeting's actual agenda.

"By nature, i prefer brevity." - John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, p. 685.

"Never waste your time trying to explain yourself to people who are committed to misunderstanding you." - Anonymous

"Oh sure, every once in a while a turd floated by, but other than that it was just fine." - Joe A., 2011

I'll answer your other comments later, but my primary priority for the rest of the evening is to get drunk." - Klaus, 12/31/14
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The 89th Key
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Thanks D! :wave:
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