Comments on: 5 Techniques For Surviving Political Debates http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/ Online travel magazine dedicated to exploring travel in the 21st century. Offering travel news, compelling interviews, online travel tools, and more. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:14:28 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: kent phoenix http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-57658 kent phoenix Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:06:52 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-57658 Only thing about the Bush/Bin Laden argument is that they're basically on the same side, part of the same cartel of power that would oppress us all. And the argument also re-expresses notions of divisiveness. Maybe you could tell the world that you didn't vote for Bush in the last two elections because you voted for Ralph Nader. Can you do that? Only thing about the Bush/Bin Laden argument is that they’re basically on the same side, part of the same cartel of power that would oppress us all. And the argument also re-expresses notions of divisiveness. Maybe you could tell the world that you didn’t vote for Bush in the last two elections because you voted for Ralph Nader. Can you do that?

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]]> By: Kango Suz http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-40912 Kango Suz Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:04:28 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-40912 Wonderful article Katie! I love the idea of claiming world citizenship. Indeed, if we can remove ourselves from the polarizing of our own political backgrounds we might find exact opposites who are great friends... Wonderful article Katie! I love the idea of claiming world citizenship. Indeed, if we can remove ourselves from the polarizing of our own political backgrounds we might find exact opposites who are great friends…

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]]> By: Turner http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-40870 Turner Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:03:06 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-40870 Very useful, Katie; I think more often than not, we've had those three lousy days and nights and are looking for someone to unload on, but I'll start spreading your Dubya/Osama argument across the world. Very useful, Katie; I think more often than not, we’ve had those three lousy days and nights and are looking for someone to unload on, but I’ll start spreading your Dubya/Osama argument across the world.

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]]> By: Jessica http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-40861 Jessica Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:09:51 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-40861 This is definitely helpful advice. I've been put in similar situations many times, and am always seem to be left clamoring for something diplomatic to say. It's important to remember that whenever we step outside the U.S. borders, we begin acting as representatives of our country, and even tourists can play an important role in changing world views. We need to be prepared with intelligent, thoughtful responses that promote mutual respect between cultures. This is definitely helpful advice. I’ve been put in similar situations many times, and am always seem to be left clamoring for something diplomatic to say. It’s important to remember that whenever we step outside the U.S. borders, we begin acting as representatives of our country, and even tourists can play an important role in changing world views. We need to be prepared with intelligent, thoughtful responses that promote mutual respect between cultures.

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]]> By: Katie http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-39708 Katie Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:28:18 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-39708 I love that story about the Singaporean woman. I think the kind of person who loves to push other peoples buttons can be found around the world. The key is to be able to respond to the calmly enough that they choose another target. Thanks for the comments. I love that story about the Singaporean woman.

I think the kind of person who loves to push other peoples buttons can be found around the world. The key is to be able to respond to the calmly enough that they choose another target.

Thanks for the comments.

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]]> By: Haley January Eckels http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-39697 Haley January Eckels Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:55:51 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-39697 What a thoughtful piece! I've experienced this countless times as an American, and it's always hard to come up with ways to diffuse the situation. When walking a pilgrimage route in Spain I encountered a Singaporean woman who would jokingly ask every pilgrim she met, "Are you walking for the sins of your country?" I thought it was hilarious, but one Swiss man objected and said his country had never committed sins as grave as the U.S. or Britain. She wagged her finger at him, saying, "Not so fast... what about the Nazi gold?" The point is, there are aspects of all our cultures, countries, and backgrounds that don't represent us or don't make us proud. And it's good to be prepared to discuss things that make you uncomfortable or angry. It's part of having a mature, respectful conversation with someone of a different background. What a thoughtful piece! I’ve experienced this countless times as an American, and it’s always hard to come up with ways to diffuse the situation. When walking a pilgrimage route in Spain I encountered a Singaporean woman who would jokingly ask every pilgrim she met, “Are you walking for the sins of your country?” I thought it was hilarious, but one Swiss man objected and said his country had never committed sins as grave as the U.S. or Britain. She wagged her finger at him, saying, “Not so fast… what about the Nazi gold?”

The point is, there are aspects of all our cultures, countries, and backgrounds that don’t represent us or don’t make us proud. And it’s good to be prepared to discuss things that make you uncomfortable or angry. It’s part of having a mature, respectful conversation with someone of a different background.

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]]> By: Olivebeard http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-39660 Olivebeard Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:38:51 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-39660 I love that statement to the tea seller: “George Bush sits in the White House, claiming to make decisions on my behalf. Osama bin Laden is hiding in Afghanistan claiming to do what is best for you. Do you think we should call them and ask if it’s okay for you to sell me this cup of tea?” Though I traveled Europe shortly after 9/11, I was lucky to encounter little more than lightly acerbic anti-Bush comments. Very good advice...even when traveling within the States/Canada. I love that statement to the tea seller:

“George Bush sits in the White House, claiming to make decisions on my behalf. Osama bin Laden is hiding in Afghanistan claiming to do what is best for you. Do you think we should call them and ask if it’s okay for you to sell me this cup of tea?”

Though I traveled Europe shortly after 9/11, I was lucky to encounter little more than lightly acerbic anti-Bush comments. Very good advice…even when traveling within the States/Canada.

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]]> By: Kirsty http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/comment-page-1/#comment-39643 Kirsty Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:34:27 +0000 http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/12/19/5-techniques-for-surviving-political-debates-on-the-road/#comment-39643 Great article Katie! Lots of good advice in there. This article applies to people from all over but I always feel bad for American travellers who seem to have to defend themselves and their country everywhere they go, whether or not they even care about politics. Great article Katie! Lots of good advice in there. This article applies to people from all over but I always feel bad for American travellers who seem to have to defend themselves and their country everywhere they go, whether or not they even care about politics.

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