AnnaWalks123
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Portugues, May 2018
Hello fellow pilgrims!
I am loath to even write the question, because I would sooner never speak of politics ever again! However.... I DO live in Washington DC, which, on my last Camino did lend itself to MANY people asking my opinion of Donald Trump. I shan't go into my opinion one way or another on American politics, as I am happily able to listen to others opinions, appreciate their perspective and see it as a learning experience, and not get mad/defensive.
However, this May, my mother and I will be walking only 100 kms from Ourense to Santiago. She sooner would rather not talk about it too, but I have found, especially because I was only one of two Americans on the last Camino I did, that politics is a hot topic that isn't easily dropped. She, unlike me, is quite forthcoming with her opinions when pressed - not in an obnoxious way - just in a defending her opinion way - but I am wondering, when I am in the presence of her and another pilgrim -or even by myself - if politics is brought up, a polite but firm way of diffusing the situation?
I am sure anyone who lives in the US, and even those who don't, know that its an ugly time between the right and left. I SO appreciate this is an uncomfortable question and please no political commentary - just any thoughts again on being polite but leaving DC behind as I walk?
Of course, I will advise her to give a general "no comment" yet polite response, but I found people really want to know.... And, even her aside, again while I was really appreciative of knowing other people's thoughts on our government, for me - it wasn't something I particularly wanted to discuss on my last Camino, but I accept that getting a first person account of what's going on in one's country is interesting.
I do The Way to leave DC behind and while I know most people are just curious, I would appreciate any guidance!
Thank you!
I am loath to even write the question, because I would sooner never speak of politics ever again! However.... I DO live in Washington DC, which, on my last Camino did lend itself to MANY people asking my opinion of Donald Trump. I shan't go into my opinion one way or another on American politics, as I am happily able to listen to others opinions, appreciate their perspective and see it as a learning experience, and not get mad/defensive.
However, this May, my mother and I will be walking only 100 kms from Ourense to Santiago. She sooner would rather not talk about it too, but I have found, especially because I was only one of two Americans on the last Camino I did, that politics is a hot topic that isn't easily dropped. She, unlike me, is quite forthcoming with her opinions when pressed - not in an obnoxious way - just in a defending her opinion way - but I am wondering, when I am in the presence of her and another pilgrim -or even by myself - if politics is brought up, a polite but firm way of diffusing the situation?
I am sure anyone who lives in the US, and even those who don't, know that its an ugly time between the right and left. I SO appreciate this is an uncomfortable question and please no political commentary - just any thoughts again on being polite but leaving DC behind as I walk?
Of course, I will advise her to give a general "no comment" yet polite response, but I found people really want to know.... And, even her aside, again while I was really appreciative of knowing other people's thoughts on our government, for me - it wasn't something I particularly wanted to discuss on my last Camino, but I accept that getting a first person account of what's going on in one's country is interesting.
I do The Way to leave DC behind and while I know most people are just curious, I would appreciate any guidance!
Thank you!
Last edited: