Discussing politics at the dental office.

As a rule of thumb, I don’t like discussing politics at the dental office. Politics can be so divisive. Trust me, the last thing I want to do is get my patients upset.
I do have some patients that will tease me good natured about my political beliefs, and it can be fun to banter back and forth. But lately, this has not been the case, in some instances, a misplaced word can send the conversation south quickly. Even within families units who love each other, discussing politics the dialogue can get ugly.
So when I ran across this youTube video, I was intrigued. My curiosity was piqued. I have heard of Megan Phelps-Roper, and how she left the Westboro Baptist Church. I didn’t know her story, though. I don’t know if she has a book out, but I think it would be an interesting read.
In her presentation, she discusses how her ideas and opinions were changed. She comes up with some ideas on what she believes effective when having a public discourse.
Can this be helpful in the dental office when situations occur when politics is discussed?

4 guidelines for public discourse.

1. Don’t assume bad intent. – Assume good or neutral intent.
2. Ask questions.
3. Stay calm. “I thought my rightness justified my rudeness.” 🙂
4. Make the argument.

 
I think I still am going to stay away from number 4, but I do want to work on the first three.