Avoiding the taboo that bar conversations should be trivial
I went to Carpe Diem in Hoboken just to air out my head and try to write. I had couple of pints and, as the night drew on, started talking to a patron named Jack and the bartender Noah who is also a local singer/songwriter. We talked sports (yeah I know … me talking sports … go figure) and politics.
I don’t mind talking politics in a bar. I think it’s no worse or better than anywhere else. There is this taboo that bar conversations should be kept to the trivial. However, the very history of pubs is rich with political debates and social reform.
In fact the very reason for the existence of pubs was so citizens had a place to go to and criticize their leaders. There they could plan various revolts without the fear of being heard by the authorities.
So go ahead, talk about politics, religion, abortion, animal rights, the environment and any other potentially controversial or volatile subjects. Just keep it civil and have an open mind. A debate or discussion need not turn into a fight.
See Also:
Carpe Diem
