Comments on: Why you shouldn’t always avoid religion and politics

By: Jack Scott

Jack Scott — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:15:10 +0000

In my experience it’s ok to talk about certain subjects if it’s done with insight and cultural sensitivity.

By: Islam

Islam — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:10:03 +0000

Listening and Learning is probably the best rule to observe, I personally try not to shy away from discussing politics and religion whether I am travelling or having a conversation with tourists here in Egypt. You learn a lot about other cultures through learning about their culture and history, but it’s religion and politics that give insight to their way of life, and understanding them while travelling provides for a wealth of information that cannot be found in books or TV.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:39:48 +0000

Thanks for the thoughtful insights. Agree with the common thread of opinion that it’s about listening and letting people speak about their experiences rather than trying to impose an outside opinion on their situation. I found the same in El Salvador – people loved to discuss politics and religion (the two go hand in hand to a large extent there) and I needed to do was ask a general question and then listen. We learned so much, and from people on both sides of the ideological divide.

By: Traveling Ted

Traveling Ted — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:23:00 +0000

In the book “Pillars of Hercules” by Paul Theroux he was warned to not talk about politics or World War II when visiting Italy. He reacted by talking about nothing but politics and World War II when in Italy.

Most people do not mind talking about contentious topics if the questions are asked with a certain tact. If it does upset them like the Hmong villager you encountered then move on to another topic or another villager.

Interesting idea for a post!

By: The Travel Chica

The Travel Chica — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:29:38 +0000

I actually try to learn about politics and religion when traveling. You can get to understand a place and the people that live there better. Sure, you have to be careful and know when it’s time to change the subject.

I have found people in Buenos Aires very open to sharing, and I’ve learned so much.

By: Keith

Keith — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 10:03:28 +0000

When I was in the Air Force, one of the ‘golden rules’ (rarely observed or enforced!) was never to discuss ‘shop’, women, religion or politics in the Mess.

Funny thing is, I’ve seen more people come to blows over sport (which was allowed) that any of the ‘forbidden’ subjects.

By: islandmomma

islandmomma — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 08:57:10 +0000

Absolutely, listening and learning. I remember spending hours with a ski guide in the former Yugoslavia in the 70s. There was no snow, and we spent a lot of time just eating, drinking and talking. There was clearly a line he wouldn’t cross, and most of our group didn’t try to push past that, but as he got to know us over the week he opened up more, and I learned a lot about life there. Whereas before I’d simply, in my 20+ year old mind lumped all communist countries together.

To kind of turn the tables on you, too. Travelling in the US during the Bush years I was determined not to mention him or his policies, but I found, for the most part, without me saying a word, once people knew I was English they actually apologized that their country was not represented correctly to the world. However, I did stay for a few days in the house of an avid Bush/right wing/racist/extreme christian and managed to keep my mouth shut and have an intelligent conversation (almost!) about her views without revealing my own opinions! That was quite a feat on my part, and showed me I had diplomatic skills I considered I lacked! She was very kind and hospitable, and, frankly, it would have been really rude to have tried to change her mind in any way other, possibly, than by example. Shows how travel teaches you things about yourself that you didn’t even know!

By: Aisleen

Aisleen — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:14:36 +0000

I agree with Jim in that the golden rule should be to “listen and learn” and be respectful of people’s wishes. For example, no matter how curious we were of the Tibetan people’s struggles whilst in their country, we really had to curb our questioning as our guide could have gotten into a bit of trouble for discussing certain issues.

The main thing to remember is to leave your pre-conceived ideas at home when you go travelling – us from the Western World will of course have lots of ideas about religion, culture and society, but when you go travelling you often find these ideals being challenged. We’ve had mixed experiences – when travelling in Vietnam and Cambodia we found people to be very open with us about their past and their views and it is a fantastic insight and a privilege to be privvy to their stories. I think that religion and politics, whilst often a ‘fine line’ are essential subjects to aid in your understanding of the world and really do enhance your experience!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:42:28 +0000

You’re right for the most part, Andy. I remember hitch-hiking through Europe during the 1970s when the Vietnam War was at its worst, and the unwritten rule amongst backpackers was never talk about religion and politics, despite the chance to listen and learn from fellow travellers and locals.

During my February trip to Cambodia, on the other hand, people generally were happy to talk about the Khmer Rouge years and the horrors the country and the people suffered, although I never spoke to anyone directly affected.

I think the key is to ‘listen and learn’ and not get into an argument with the people you are talking to, or get trapped into pushing your opinion onto other people, no matter how ‘right’ you think you may be.