People just cannot talk about politics in everyday situations. It is not considered socially acceptable to do so. As Eliasoph says, "avoid talking politics in public because political conversation might be too discouraging or divisive." As mentioned in many of the readings, volunteers would avoid troubling social issues. It wasn't just limited to volunteers, but even political figures like the mayor who practiced "political silence" and thought it was beneficial.
On the other hand, discussing certain issues in private, homogeneous groups was acceptable. Of course this also increases the chances for similarity of thought and opinion and thus avoidance of conflict. It seems like everyone is afraid of disagreement or debate. I agreed with Putnam in the Hill and Matsubayashi reading when he said, "social networks must encompass people of various social groups and statuses." Heterogeneous groups would be better in fostering meaningful discussion.
Personally, I think it would be better if political discussion in public places could become a social norm. Just because someone has a different stance or outlook on an issue than you, does not mean that the conversation needs to turn sour. I hope that with increased interactions, political topics will not be so hostile.
Citizen Competence in American Democracy
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