How to keep the peace during holiday gatherings By Tara Schmelz
Whether it ’ s the holiday lunch
with co-workers or Thanksgiving dinner with extended family , this season ’ s holiday gatherings may bring more than just a feast . It could bring about some interesting conversations that may quickly turn sour .
“ My grandmother always said , ‘ Never discuss politics or religion ,’” said Greg Phipps , senior lecturer in Sociology at Indiana University Southeast . “ Often when you talk about these issues , you ’ re not going to change their mind . You ’ re just creating a rift between you and that person that can be difficult to repair .”
It ’ s more than just politics and religion this year , with additional topics quickly becoming divisive issues , including systemic racism , police reform , COVID vaccines , mask wearing policies and more .
Michael Abernethy , senior lecturer in Communications Studies at Indiana University Southeast , said the important thing is to draw a line on where those conversations belong .
“ Keep these conversations away from the dinner
Greg Phipps
44 November / December 2020