Is It Okay To End A Friendship Over Political Differences?

wallyj84

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Someone I know on FB recently posted that they were unfriending anyone who supported a particular political figure. There are lots of controversial figures in politics on both sides and I don't want this thread to turn into an argument about the merits of this particular person, so I am leaving them unnamed. Anyway, a couple of people responded that it was sad that he was ending friendships over political differences. So that made me wonder, is it ever okay to end a friendship over a political disagreement? If so, at what point does that become okay?
 

twoton

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The worst part of social media is that it gets people fired up and they make hasty, regrettable decisions.

At a calmer, more rational moment, an ex-friend might ask him, ‘did you really mean to break friendships over this?’
 

keenobserver

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Someone I know on FB recently posted that they were unfriending anyone who supported a particular political figure. There are lots of controversial figures in politics on both sides and I don't want this thread to turn into an argument about the merits of this particular person, so I am leaving them unnamed. Anyway, a couple of people responded that it was sad that he was ending friendships over political differences. So that made me wonder, is it ever okay to end a friendship over a political disagreement? If so, at what point does that become okay?

I have seen some friendships fall apart over politics. I really try to keep politics out of my interaction with people who have a strongly different point of view in my real life. For the most part it has worked. I have close relative who has very strong feelings about a number of issues that are outside the lines of most of my family. He has initiated long periods of refusing to speak to different family members because they challenged his views on a subject. Not all of the subjects were political, but most were. We try to avoid conflict with this guy because we do love him and care about him, but he makes it hard.

To your question 'is it ever okay to end a friendship over a political disagreement' I would say yes. There are some views that to me are lines in the sand that cannot be crossed - ever. Denying the loss of lives in 'the Middle Passage' is one, the Holocaust is another. Calling victims of mass shootings 'crisis actors' and hoaxers is another. A disagreement over cutting taxes when we have giant deficits would not be something that would fall into that category. Certain moral issues would be a factor, strategic issues, not so much.

Luther said he was captive to his conscience, and to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I would choose my conscience over a friendship almost 100% of the time.
 

Tight_N_Juicy

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My guy and his best friend actually disagree on a whole lot of political issues.

They're very close.

I think it depends on the individuals within the friendship, and the relationship itself.

I ended a friendship over his willful political ignorance. His positions didn't come from information, they came from emotion. He couldn't respect disagreement. The things he supports are directly harmful to society as a whole. I can't stay friendly with someone like that.
 

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Someone I know on FB recently posted that they were unfriending anyone who supported a particular political figure. There are lots of controversial figures in politics on both sides and I don't want this thread to turn into an argument about the merits of this particular person, so I am leaving them unnamed. Anyway, a couple of people responded that it was sad that he was ending friendships over political differences. So that made me wonder, is it ever okay to end a friendship over a political disagreement? If so, at what point does that become okay?
If it's on FB I would like to ask what kind of friends?
It's understandable to unfriend friends on facebook if they support politics that are contrary to yours.

If it's a real friend, I would think twice. It would have to be a very radical political view he would need to have.

Politics isn't just some random politicians you like, or don't.
It's about the society, the economical system you want to live in. If you support a certain political idea, you also support the consequences it will have on a society.

If you want to live in a pluralistic society, where everyone is equal and welcome and the other one wants a world with "ethnic clean" nations, where minorities have no rights and the media, just as large parts of the society under control of one party, itself understandable that you don't want to keep the friendship alive.
 

kidfresh512

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I think the answer is yes. Because, what is your political stance other than a reflection of your character and who you are as a person? What you expect life to be like, what you value, how you treat other people. I don't want to be friends with someone who I don't respect. I don't need that in my life. Does that mean you have to agree with EVERY stance, EVERY choice, of course not. But, if your core values and beliefs just run counter to mine then we don't need to be friends.

I have friends who If I hadn't known them and knew who they are and that they love their families they aren't bigoted but they do have completely opposite party views than me we probably wouldn't be friends. But, like I said I know what their core beliefs are I may completely disagree on a lot but I know they are good people who just unfortunately vote the other way but for reasons I can tolerate so we can be friends. We just never ever talk about politics because we will never agree. And that's fine.
 

keenobserver

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No. You will live a very unfulfilled life if you surround yourself only with people who think like you do.

It is not necessary that they 'think like I do,' but there needs to be a general alignment on moral values.
 
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1141702

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No. You will live a very unfulfilled life if you surround yourself only with people who think like you do.
Surround yourself in negativity. That’s very fulfilling. I’m not sure this is a very accurate statement.
 

Jjz1109

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I find it fascinating how many (some here) preach tolerance, but would be quick to end a friendship over political differences. Politics are very, very complicated, and evolve every day. I doubt anyone agrees 100% on every issue coming from their party. There is a lot of gray in the world. In the end, it’s going to be key issues or platforms we support. If our friends can not understand and respect that, then that’s unfortunate.

They probably weren’t really friends to begin with.
 
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1141702

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I find it fascinating how many (some here) preach tolerance, but would be quick to end a friendship over political differences. Politics are very, very complicated, and evolve every day. I doubt anyone agrees 100% on every issue coming from their party. There is a lot of gray in the world. In the end, it’s going to be key issues or platforms we support. If our friends can not understand and respect that, then that’s unfortunate.

They probably weren’t really friends to begin with.
Don’t you think that depends on the issue?
 

Jjz1109

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My guy and his best friend actually disagree on a whole lot of political issues.

They're very close.

I think it depends on the individuals within the friendship, and the relationship itself.

I ended a friendship over his willful political ignorance. His positions didn't come from information, they came from emotion. He couldn't respect disagreement. The things he supports are directly harmful to society as a whole. I can't stay friendly with someone like that.

I hear you. And yes, we see politics very often evolve into emotion. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t respect disagreement. Respect is a foundation of any friendship / relationship.
 
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1141702

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I don’t think most people have ONE issue. Perhaps they do. I believe most people look at the whole picture.
While true, sometimes that one issue could be pretty horrific and overshadow any good.