Parents Don't Like my Political Beliefs

Post Reply New Topic

Over the last year or so, and especially over the last week since Canada called an election, I have started to find myself interested in Green Politics. To give a quick summary, other than the basic idea of protecting the environment, Greens believe in building an economy that is sustainable environmentally and economically, in promoting peace, equality, breaking the power of big businesses, grass-roots democracy, and the importance of social programs such as education and health care (I'm Canadian so most parties would agree to that last bit, but the Greens make it a particular priority). There are a couple of other points that I disagree on, but I honestly think that the Green Party still is the closest to my views and would be interested in supporting them in the future.

However, my parents are both highly dismissive about the Green Party. My dad just doesn't care much about the environment (although he'd never come right out and say it) and is a bit too right-wing for the Greens anyway. My Mom just refuses to believe that the Greens have any sort of mandate other than environmentalism and dismisses them.

I'm nearly at voting age (if our current election had been called a few months later I could have voted) and as I said would be interested in supporting the Greens later (probably once I'm in university). But how can I do this without getting into arguments with my parents? Usually I've respected their opinions on things before, so I'm really not comfortable with differing from them like this.

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this post, but since it's more about dealing with parents than politics I decided to post here.

I'm not one to be rebellious either, but at some point, you just have to say screw them. Contrary to popular belief, yes you are allowed to have your own political opinions. Democracy can't work if you're not thinking for yourself. I understand it may be uncomfortable to disagree with them, but they need to be obligated to respect your opinions.

Just because their your parents doesent mean they will have the same beliefs as you.
Everyones different and so everyone values different things greater than others. I dont think you should worry about it, just vote for the greens if thats how you want to see your country run!
and, just try to avoid talking about it. thats the best way to go.

I wish Americans were more like Canadians politically.

That's because the greenies are hateful loons. They're dead on.

Having said that, you're right to have political opinions of your own. Mine are generally unpopular among everyone else apart from my mum, though, and even she thinks I'm excessive with it.

I'm a liberal with conservative parents and, while my Mom doesn't mind, my Stepfather is fiercely conservative. I kinda know how ya feel.

No matter what happens, I just want Harper out.

I aggree with northeastern282

i just don't discuss politics with my parents. the great thing about voting is that it's confidential. my parents and i see things differently when it comes down to who to vote for. some subjects are better left undiscussed, politics is usually one of those. last time i discussed voting with my parents was in 1999, the first year i got to vote(i'm also in Canada). i voted for Dalton because he promised to legalize marijuana and i thought that was a great idea at the time. now the most i'll say to them on the subject is 'Don't forget to vote." personally i find the whole thing more like taking a shot in the dark than actually helping things progress how you'd like them to. it's hard to tell what campaigne promises will come to be and what promises are just gimicks to gain votes. i have however been enjoying all the excessive tax credits i've been receiving lately. maybe i will vote for whoever keeps those coming? (j/k)

@Tequila: If I'd wanted your opinion on my beliefs then I would have posted this thread in the Politics Forum. There are a few things I'd like to say about your views but I'm going to hold back. The point of this thread is coping in hostile conditions, which is universally difficult regardless of what one's views are.

@Jonsi: Agreed, Harper needs to go. I'm not opposed to the Liberals by any means and always used to assume that they are the one's I'd vote for. And of course I know full well the Green Party will be extremely lucky if they get even one seat.... But since Conservatives ALWAYS win in my riding there is no use in voting strategically. I might as well vote as I actually believe.

@missykrissy: Unfortunately in my house politics do tend to be discussed. Not all the time, but when the grandparents are over for dinner it will sometimes come up. And they would be at least as harsh as my parents on this issue. I guess I'll just have to learn to hold my tongue.

My parents both consistently vote Democrat, as I most likely will do so in all future elections, but my political beliefs are probably more socially liberal than my parents'. For example, my parents are both pro-life, whereas I'm pro-choice.