How would you react

How would you react if someone started talking about an issue they felt passionate about in public? It might be a politicial, social, or religious issue.

For example, say you are at the grocery store (or post office, or park) and someone exclaims, did you hear what this politcian did? Or, I can't believe they are protesting over...

How would you react?

i would leave 71
i would join the conversation 53
i would yell at them for disturbing the peace 17
other, please comment 37
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 65 )
  • Mando

    What on earth is wrong with someone talking in public or initiating a conversation about substantive matters? You can politely chose to participate or not.

    But hello - no "rule" exists that you are suppose to be silent in public. Newsflash to IIN - the world isn't a school-yard.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • This question came up on the radio yesterday. People were calling in all angry with the idea that people would disturb their shopping experience.

      Personally, I think it's a bad state of things when we cannot discuss public affairs in a public setting.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Sog

        Nothing you hear on the radio should be taken seriously by anyone with an IQ higher than 70.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • Same could be said for the internet and tv.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • IrishPotato

            Ha!
            Touché.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
      • iEatZombies_

        Hmm.. Now that I know people are so petty, I think I'll deliberately start such talk. Ridiculous.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • You should. And if you see someone with a political shirt or button, start talking to them about it.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
      • Yes it is a bit tabboo. However, I think it's good for people to express in public.

        yours sincerely, Mr Cat, MD.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
      • Dazzle

        This is a shame, really. I wish people would talk like that more, it would make the world so much more fun!
        Talking, arguing, deliberating: having simple discussions is, for me, one of the few free pleasures I have in life.
        I really would love it if people were to start talking about random things, controversial topics in public, it would lighten up my day!
        I'd really love one day to open a simple "salon" like we had in my country; places to get a cup of coffee or tea and discuss philosophical, cultural or even politic matters around a nice drink and just spend the day or the evening that way.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • I know people who do this. There is a park near me where people gather once a week to discuss a variety of social issues. They bring food and share a meal as well as ideas. It's fun.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • We are not able to do that here. If you do that here you get threatened to be harmed in some manner or arrested. They think we are free but we will never be. Oh I love elections. They bring out the shining best in people.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
          • What? They do this? I want to live where you live? Do tell us?OO

            Comment Hidden ( show )
          • Dazzle

            Wow! This is great! Where do you live? I'll be moving to London soon.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • IrishPotato

              Shame that they're all anti-gay and shit in Brittain.

              There are these schools, Catholic schools, and the goverment of the UK allows them to kick off kids for being homosexual, which I find discriminative and redicilous.

              Comment Hidden ( show )
    • MissyLeyneous

      THIS. THIS FOREVER. :D

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • TerryVie

    *Other*

    I would ignore them and go about my own business.

    Why should i leave when i'm there for groceries...*puzzled*

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Hippie

    I would ignore them. If my opinion was asked i would say "Awesome".

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Avant-Garde

    I would continue about my business. Even if it was something I didn't agree with, I would still mind my own business.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • beng

    I would join in if I was informed on the issue. Or if what they were talking about sounded particularly interesting then I might ask about it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I'd be tempted to join the conversation if it was something I felt strongly about.

    Otherwise I'd listen intently. I've actually had discussions like this before in public and people's reactions range from annoyance, interest, anger to fear.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • dirtybirdy

    I don't really give a crap but I don't get involved. I usually only hear this guy at the laundromat. He is soo fuckin loud and has such a nasally voice. Very annoying. I want to stuff him in the dryer so bad.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • NeuroNeptunian

    If they are talking to me, I'd... talk back to them because I am not anti-social and I DO have social skills.

    If they are just talking in public and I had something to share and I had the time to share it, I would share it.

    I live in the US and that kind of stuff is usually cool unless it REALLY disturbs the peace.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Fammer3

    Why would you even care about what other people talk about?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • throat_cutter

    Id consult the "How to treat random rambling hobo on the street" guide.

    However, proceed with caution, as these creatures react in a draconian manner when their view is challenged

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • NocturnePonyFan

    I usually just ignore those morons. Or, I've been tempted to heckle the shit out of protesters.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I love politics, I'd join in.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Who_Fan4Life

    It depends on the situation, which is why I felt forced to choose 'Other.'

    I mean, if the conversation was intriguing and felt as though I could contribute I probably would join in. If I felt as though the person was rambling and biased on the subject, and caused me to be angry, I would most likely leave it alone.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • KeddersPrincess

    I really wouldn't care.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ill walk past him and listen.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • davijhon

    i would just leave

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ladyjoker25

    i would listen

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I will walk up to them and say "They did what? Where did you hear about that"? Ask where I could find that news.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Tehboss

    The greatest form of dictatorship is when the people start policing one another in the smallest of things be it wen you speak your opinion or on how you are living your life ...

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • nAt2017

    I'd probably leave. I wouldn't stop them, but I wouldn't join in.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • BlueJeansWhiteShirt

    I would just walk right past them and carry on with my day.
    I'm not really into talking to complete strangers, unless I'm drunk and it's in a club environment. I wouldn't be pissed off or offended. I would just not be bothered over it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • theaverageatheist

    freedom of speach

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Queeny

    Other: everyone's entitled to their opinion, I don't give a shit

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • jucedaguy

    On topic, I would listen to their story. And respect their opinion, you never stop learning and I firmly believe that each persons story is a new opportunity to learn.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • bristexai

    Why would a stranger walk up and talk to me?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • GuessWho

    It really depends on the topic.

    I'd take either one of those three options depending on what they're talking about and how much time I have.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • dom180

    I'd shrug and keep on going about my day...?

    I think the vast majority of shopping experiences I've had have been so loud there's been no peace to disturb, so I might not even notice. A Post Office might be different because they tend to be quiet places free of screaming infants, so I might get a bit annoyed (unless it was interesting) but I'd grin and bear it and hope nobody else will pour fuel on their fire.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • AbnormallyAwesome

    I love discussions. I'd totally talk to him about anything, if I got the time and he doesen't seem completly insane.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Imposturously_yours

    If it's someone I know, I'd ask him to shut the fuck up.
    If it's a stranger -I'd walk away.

    Honestly, there are so many forums and discussion groups both online and offline where you can pour your butthurt out.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • What if the city just decided to tear down your house to build a new road or building or rail line? You are now forced to move to a new part of town and they will only give you a fraction of the value for your home. And what's worse, they didn't even ask you for your opinion on the matter. Say your friend/neighbbor/stranger was outraged and had started an open dialog because he is gathering signatures to deliver to city officials. He wants to put the decision to a public vote. Would you still walk away and tell them to do it online?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Imposturously_yours

        I probably would.. Not a big protest guy.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I would either join or leave. If people want to talk about their beliefs in public, who am I to stop them, unless they are speaking about supporting violence and negatives, etc.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Anime8

      A little trick I learned from Dom. Since the user who wrote this probably left a long time ago we can chat on here.

      So tell me man. What's going on? I'll listen and if you want offer advice. Or again just listen.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • What do you mean?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • Anime8

          You replied to my comment
          "Noooope, but that's life :p"

          So I just wanted to know if there's anything you want to get off your chest and what not?

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • Nah, it's alright. The intent to help is appreciated, though.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • Anime8

              Alright man, well whatever it is. I know you can handle it. Peace.

              :)

              Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Terence_the_viking

    naaah i can't be bothered wtih all that polictics and shit i'd just walk past them while farting in their general direction

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • bristexai

      Polictics? What's politicts?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Terence_the_viking

        ask ya mam

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • dappled

    This seems to happen to me nearly every day. It's like I have a tattoo on my head that says "Talk to me about stuff".

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Darkoil

      Oh god, when I saw your name written here I just remembered I had a dream last night and you were in it. For some reason everyone on IIN turned up at my house and started partying. Me, you and Itduz ignored everyone else and got proper wasted. IIN has broken the final frontier and invaded my dreams, this is probably a sign I need to start using the internet for oher things.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • 800imawesome

        I don't think ItDuz is a fan of drinking.. in fact, he isn't old enough to do so.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • Darkoil

          Isn't old enough lol. I started going out drinking when I was 15 so did most of the people I know.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • 800imawesome

            Lol, touché.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
      • dappled

        Ack! You're in trouble if it's got into your subconscious! Although, on a positive note, I think ItDuz is anti-alcohol, so I think we get to divvy up his share between us.

        I might be going mad but didn't you once tell me someone in your family is in the brewing business and makes really good ale? I think it stuck in my mind because I was mildly jealous. And I'm saying it now in case you ever have the dream again because I like to think of the dream version of me getting to try it.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • Darkoil

          Yeah it's a friend of my Mums who started a microbrewery. It's a good change to the swill they serve in most pubs around here.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • dappled

            Ahh, yeah, that was it. At least alcohol hasn't completely knackered my memory. A friend of mine makes fruit beers. I never thought I'd say it but his pineapple beer is actually good.

            Comment Hidden ( show )
    • I thought it said "talk to me about weird stuff". You really should have T-shirts made. :P

      Comment Hidden ( show )