My neighbor in Texas is a great dude. I love the guy, but he's Republican. He's a second-generation American and very much lives the American dream.
Good trade job, works for himself, owns multiple properties, and has done well for himself. His wife is a green card holder and doesn't speak English.
We've gotten along because we don't really talk politics. We just help each other out and shoot the shit, as Americans do. But when politics do come up, he's like a different person. He's not the nice, helpful guy I know. He turns into this mean and bigoted individual.
I think he knows I'm not a Republican, and he has no issue with that, but it's difficult to see how a man like him can so easily be consumed by the talking points he sees on the news.
The point was that he's like two different people. Obviously, being bigoted doesn't make him a great guy, and I'm not trying to excuse that. I'm saying there's a real duality to him as a person. The neighbor I know is genuinely kind and helpful, but when politics come up, he becomes someone very different. I think that disconnect is largely influenced by the news and political messaging he consumes.
The fact that you tip toe around it is why these people are able to continue going along there day supporting neo nazis and acting like everything is fine when they visit for thanksgiving
It's not your job to change anyone's mind. But he's been validated by people like you. Just like the racist uncle gets validated every time he gets invited for dinner.
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u/FallingSputnik 21d ago
My neighbor in Texas is a great dude. I love the guy, but he's Republican. He's a second-generation American and very much lives the American dream.
Good trade job, works for himself, owns multiple properties, and has done well for himself. His wife is a green card holder and doesn't speak English.
We've gotten along because we don't really talk politics. We just help each other out and shoot the shit, as Americans do. But when politics do come up, he's like a different person. He's not the nice, helpful guy I know. He turns into this mean and bigoted individual.
I think he knows I'm not a Republican, and he has no issue with that, but it's difficult to see how a man like him can so easily be consumed by the talking points he sees on the news.