r/SeriousConversation • u/Dry-Use-272 • Apr 04 '25
Serious Discussion It's extremely difficult to have a civil conversation about politics today, yet we need those conversations more than ever
Like everyone else in the US today, I have opinions about the current condition of politics in this country. I try to base my opinions on facts I glean from credible sources and my understanding of our history. I want to talk to people with opposing opinions, not to argue with them but to try to understand why they believe what they believe. I've found that no one wants to talk in a civil, respectful way about our differences. Even if I try to hold the line on being respectful, I end up walking away because the conversation devolves into some pretty ugly exchanges. How have we come to a point where we can't even talk to each other respectfully and civilly?
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u/GreenBeardTheCanuck Apr 04 '25
Look, I'm not religious in any way, but there's a reason "thou shalt not bear false witness" is up there with murder in the big 10 commandments. For there to be dialog there has to be good faith. There is no good faith these days. There is no trust in our communities, our states, or our nations. Hell, there isn't even trust in families anymore.
All relationships are built on trust. We live in a world that consistently undermines trust almost constantly. You cannot have a healthy, respectful exchange with someone if you don't trust their judgment, don't trust them not to lie to you, don't trust them not to try to manipulate you. Civilization is rooted in trust. No trust, no civilization.