First off, I daresay that I voted in a way that is consistent with the views I've voiced here and elsewhere, and in a manner similar to a number of the assembled guests. But it's still none of anyone's business whether I voted Lib to try to avoid a Conservative government, NDP to avoid having Tony Ianno as my MP, or CPC-ML because I've had my consciousness raised recently.
Politics can be inherently divisive. It would be nice if we could all discuss matters politely, without attacking people's beliefs or choices, but not everyone is capable of doing this. If people want to discuss issues, they can ask "How do you feel about [candidate]'s statement on [issue]?" which invites a discussion of the issue rather than of the vote. However, asking point blank who someone voted for is essentially asking them to make a very simplified statement about a complex issue.
My dad and I don't see eye to eye on politics, and he takes every opportunity to attack my views, and I do mean attack. I can hold my own in just about any debate or discussion with people who listen and care to acknowledge facts, rather than simple ideological stances, but my dad often chooses to simply talk over me and shout. So when he asks me "Who are you voting for?" he's essentially saying "Tell me something I know I'm going to disagree with so that I can attack you for it."
This is not polite.
Now, my friends are less likely to attack me for my views, even if we do disagree. But if they're asking me how I'm going to vote, they're still putting me on the spot and asking for a simplified response to a complicated and highly personal decision. My options are to tell them and risk acrimonious debate (the risk may be small, but it's there), or not tell them and be seen as paranoid and stuffy. That's not a polite position to put a person in.
Far more polite to leave the conversational opening, and let your respondent fill it if they choose than to ask them point blank. Far more fruitful to discuss issues than to discuss a single vote.
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Date: 2006-01-23 09:11 pm (UTC)First off, I daresay that I voted in a way that is consistent with the views I've voiced here and elsewhere, and in a manner similar to a number of the assembled guests. But it's still none of anyone's business whether I voted Lib to try to avoid a Conservative government, NDP to avoid having Tony Ianno as my MP, or CPC-ML because I've had my consciousness raised recently.
Politics can be inherently divisive. It would be nice if we could all discuss matters politely, without attacking people's beliefs or choices, but not everyone is capable of doing this. If people want to discuss issues, they can ask "How do you feel about [candidate]'s statement on [issue]?" which invites a discussion of the issue rather than of the vote. However, asking point blank who someone voted for is essentially asking them to make a very simplified statement about a complex issue.
My dad and I don't see eye to eye on politics, and he takes every opportunity to attack my views, and I do mean attack. I can hold my own in just about any debate or discussion with people who listen and care to acknowledge facts, rather than simple ideological stances, but my dad often chooses to simply talk over me and shout. So when he asks me "Who are you voting for?" he's essentially saying "Tell me something I know I'm going to disagree with so that I can attack you for it."
This is not polite.
Now, my friends are less likely to attack me for my views, even if we do disagree. But if they're asking me how I'm going to vote, they're still putting me on the spot and asking for a simplified response to a complicated and highly personal decision. My options are to tell them and risk acrimonious debate (the risk may be small, but it's there), or not tell them and be seen as paranoid and stuffy. That's not a polite position to put a person in.
Far more polite to leave the conversational opening, and let your respondent fill it if they choose than to ask them point blank. Far more fruitful to discuss issues than to discuss a single vote.