Why do liberals think it is OK to talk politics at places of employment?

Question

Do you really think it is ok to verbally slam Bush at the copy machine? Be a clerk in a store and talk against the war to customers? Etc
I have seen this repeatedly at my own places of employment and out and about in the community.
Shouldn't this type of conversation be for with your friends? Not when you are at work?
Why do employers let their employees do this?
Don't they know it's a huge turn off for 50% of their customers or other employees , seeing as we have a two party system?

I am sure some conservatives do this too.
I am probably hear more of the liberals because I am hearing them bash me and my beliefs when I have just been quietly minding my business and have not told them I am a republican because I more quiet about my own beliefs.

It is not ok, should not be, any more than preaching religion should be.

I am an Assistant Principal.

By more quiet I mean- I am a lady - not in your face pushy - pushying my beliefs on others. I believe what I believe and don't need to run my trap to prove it...

Answer 1

Except for the part where you say "liberals think," I actually sympathize. For the last several years I have been in a very conservative workplace, and have had to endure people belittling my political party. . . as if their way is the ONLY way to think, and under the assumption that OF COURSE I agree.

Like you, I am "lady like" and avoid contentious discussion, especially in the workplace. Also, I'm pretty sure I'd suffer professionally if they knew I didn't agree with them.

I guess my point is this: being the type of person that we both are, we just have to suck it up and put on a polite public face about it. . . and then come on YA answers & let it all hang out!

Answer 2

Whether you care for it or not it's hard to go anywhere where people aren't talking about the war, about their dissatisfaction with George Bush, and the general state of the country. See, a lot of us really care about what's going on, and that means that we talk about it. People have been talking politics at work since either existed. It seems to me that you are more discomfited by the fact that those against this war and our President feel free to speak because the majority in this country feel exactly the same way. You are in the minority if you still support Bush and his chaotic war, and often the minority shrinks from speaking out loud in a crowd that disagrees with them. That's your problem though, not theirs. Just because you are quiet about your beliefs does not mean everyone else is required to be just like you.

Answer 3

Distracting talk or activities are not allowed at a workplace So anyone who is trying to start a debate would find quickly it is distracting the work at hand and may be subject to correction from supervisor
Politics and religion are both hot spots to get passionate speech that is likely to get very distracting very quickly Workers from all backgrounds should be aware and avoid it.This bad choice of conversation occurs in all groups :so called liberal and so called neo con or conservatives etc So keep it to yourself or invite the person to a discussion group or book club so they can discuss it in their off time

Answer 4

I don't know how employers can stop it unless it is being done so much it is affecting productivity.
All I can do is respond to them by saying something like They are just proving to me The USA is a great place because if we were in one of the places like Cuba, N Korea, China, Sudan or other such places we could never say what we think like we can here. Then thank them for no matter how stupid they want to talk about our president it just confirms in my mind he's a bigger man than to try to use any power of the government to stop them . And if things were any bit as bad as they like to claim they would all be hauled off somewhere and never heard from again.
So appreciatte the fact we need some fools around to confirm how well off and free we really are.

Answer 5

It depends on the workplace. Some have a culture which encourages political talk and others do not. Some are predominantly liberal and others conservative. Politics is generally a bad idea in retail unless it is a business which caters to clientele of one part of the political spectrum. For example, independent bookstores tend to attract liberals except for religious bookstores which generally attract conservatives. If you are uncomfortable with the opinions being expressed, talk to your supervisor.

Answer 6

Some people at my work got into it so much about politics they had to move one guy to another desk. Have a few very vocal libs at my work. Supervisors at my company do not like it because it distracts people from getting work done. They dont bother people unless it causes trouble though.

Answer 7

Actually currently it is a turn off for about 32% of people.

Secondly I don't see anything wrong with speaking your opinions and if you, as a customer, won't buy your stuff from a clerk because he verbally opposes the current administration, then that is pathetic because you will face it everywhere and ones views don't change their skills or abilities.

Answer 8

I'm guessing the first answerer is a liberal. No it's not really ok too have a public conversation about politics in the work place. Exactly for the reason you describe. If two or more employees want to discuss it, they should do it quietly away from others. By the way, I am a supervisor.

Answer 9

Politics isn't a subject that is going to get the employer sued.
Its keeps the employees from talking about sex, and how much they are being paid.

Answer 10

It IS a free country. But yeah, it's considered impolite to talk politics in frot of people you barely know. But sometimes it's good to be a rabble rouser--it's lead to a lot of positve change.