Annie's Corner
Small Talk
by Anne O. Stout

 Ever notice when strangers are forced to wait together, like on public transit, many times they start conversing. "Making small talk" as many call it and the first topic, the safe one many approach, or start with is the weather. 

 Pretty safe bet with the weather there will not be any argument, unless of course one likes it hot and one cold, but still these differences do not seem to escalate and cause further problems. 

 Politics is a terrible small talk topic and has been known to lead to fist fights or worse. Why can't we express our own opinions when discussing our elected officials?  Why is there no room for differences here?

 Religion is another "hot bed" for discussion, and of course, to many it is not politically correct to speak of our thoughts, beliefs, or feelings on any religion or group. 

 War, famine, suffering, natural disasters, patriotism, etc., all taboo topics, subjects that are making small talk virtually impossible between two strangers as thoughts are different, reactions may be opposite so the words may lead to sparring; either verbally or violently. 

 I recently heard about an individual getting killed as he and the other stranger got into an argument in a bar, and one pulls a gun, killing the other.  "See there, told you my point of view was right!"

 How has a country based on so many freedoms, allowing everyone to have a voice turned into such a argumentative, and many times violent group?

 Freedoms only work if we all respect each other's rights to have them, too. 

 Next time you are on a plane, train, in a bar, at a party or whatever and the small talk begins; listen, hear their side and if in disagreement, politely explain your side, but watch the other person. If the other person does not seem receptive, stop and use the old standby, the weather, or just keep your mouth shut and do like we
 tell the kids, don't talk to strangers.  It's the safest bet in many situations!