Shall We Talk About It? - Some topics many people are afraid to talk about.

Caesar Rondina, Author | Public Speaker
May 26
8 min read

INTRODUCTION:

Before I begin, I hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day. We must never forget and always honor those who currently serve in our armed forces, as well as those who have served in the past. Thanks again to Cody McBride for an excellent article posted last week. On to tonight's topic.

I chose this week's topic because, in our ever-changing world, with all the issues at hand, people have become increasingly afraid to discuss specific topics for some time now. Many employers have policies that prohibit employees from discussing politics with customers and other employees in the workplace. Everyone is fearful of what others may think and how it might affect them, especially regarding our politically charged environment. However, many times we must place the blame on those who cannot discuss these issues without resorting to an argument. There is a total lack of respect for the opinions or viewpoints of others.

This has also affected numerous writers. Some writers are hesitant to discuss specific topics for fear of offending their readers. Other professions, such as reporters, report the news and cover current events as they unfold in the news cycle.

Many times I have been asked, "What is the news cycle?" Simply put, a news cycle refers to the period from a news story's initial reporting to the point at which media attention begins to decline. The timeframe varies depending on the event's intensity.

The news media are not concerned about offending others regarding the topics they report, as it's a one-way conversation, and it's news. Therefore, the media and talk show hosts openly express their opinions, as the risk of argument is minimal. However, for everyday people, it is more of a mutual discussion where the risks of arguing increase exponentially. Furthermore, employers do not want their customers to perceive that the views of their employees represent the company's views and opinions. Innovative companies prefer to remain neutral rather than risk their product being boycotted. Many companies have learned this lesson the hard way.

Upon reflection, this is an intriguing topic to explore. So let's explore it.

WHAT'S THERE TO BE AFRAID OF?:

First, we must understand that by nature, everyone has their own opinion on every subject matter and believes they are right. This is a highly volatile mindset, and it can, and usually will, lead to an argument. In every culture, specific topics are considered taboo, sensitive, or simply too uncomfortable to discuss in public. These topics often evoke strong emotions and differing opinions, leading to a reluctance to engage in conversation. The hesitation to discuss such subjects can stem from various reasons, including societal norms, personal experiences, and the potential for conflict.

Politics is the big one. Politics is a significant topic that many individuals often avoid in social settings. The divisive nature of political beliefs can lead to heated debates and arguments, which many prefer to avoid. People usually fear that discussing politics could damage relationships with friends or family who hold opposing views. Additionally, the opposing views in modern political dialogues, amplified by social media, have made it even more challenging to engage in constructive conversations without falling into the trap of hostility.

As a result of this avoidance, many individuals lack a comprehensive understanding of political issues and current events, which can lead to uninformed or misinformed voters. Moreover, crucial discussions about governance, policy, and societal responsibilities remain unspoken, potentially diminishing public debate. However, there are those, or groups of people, who have no fear when it comes to speaking their minds.

Religion is another interesting topic. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and can vary significantly from one individual to another. Discussing religious convictions often leads to discussions of morality, ethics, and personal identity, which can be highly sensitive and emotionally charged. People may hesitate to engage in conversations about religion due to fear of judgment, ridicule, or misunderstanding. The fear of offending others or encountering hostility can also deter open dialogue.

Avoiding discussions about religion can limit opportunities for interfaith understanding and cooperation. Without thoughtful conversation and mutual respect, misconceptions and stereotypes about different faiths can persist, leading to a lack of tolerance and, in some cases, conflict. However, in recent years, many have lost faith in religion for various reasons. The decline in the number of people attending church or religious gatherings has been less pronounced in certain faiths. Is this due to modernization and technology? Is it because people now work much more than they did in the past? In almost every religion, houses of worship have been offering services at various times to combat the decline in attendance.

Mental health remains one of the most stigmatized topics in many societies. People may refrain from discussing their mental health struggles or those of loved ones due to fears of judgment or the belief that they will be perceived as weak. Additionally, societal norms often prioritize physical health, leaving mental wellness discussions relegated to a secondary status, resulting in significant barriers to open communication. Mental health problems are on the rise each year, and the system is in overload and cannot handle the number of people who suffer from various mental health issues. The mental health service industry has been broken for years.

This avoidance can perpetuate a cycle of silence and shame, preventing individuals from seeking the help or support they need. As mental health issues continue to rise globally, the lack of open dialogue can hinder awareness and lead to increased isolation for those suffering.

Money and personal finance are also topics that many people tend to avoid discussing. Conversations surrounding money are often cloaked in secrecy and vulnerability. Many individuals feel uncomfortable discussing their financial situations, whether affluent or struggling. Discussions about income, debt, and personal financial management can provoke feelings of inadequacy, envy, or competition among peers.

The reluctance to discuss finances openly can prevent individuals from gaining valuable insights into personal finance management, leading to poor financial decision-making. Furthermore, the lack of transparency contributes to social inequalities and can hinder financial literacy initiatives. I am not suggesting that people need to carry around copies of their bank statements. However, there is no embarrassment or lack of people who are struggling financially, and oftentimes discussing it can relieve some of the tension; your mind can also gain some constructive ideas on how to address your financial issues.

Death is universally understood yet remains one of the least discussed topics. The emotional weight of loss and the fear of mortality lead many to avoid conversations about death. People often fear that discussing death could bring distress or discomfort among peers, resulting in a collective silence around the subject. We must face, like it or not, that we are not all going to be here forever. In our younger years, we rarely, if ever, think about death. However, as people age, the reality becomes increasingly more present. That said, we must never not live our lives for fear of death. Life is for living, and living you should do.

Neglecting discussions about death can rob individuals of the opportunity to reflect on their values or make necessary arrangements or preparations. It may also lead to unaddressed grief and unresolved feelings for those left behind. This could be where strong religious beliefs could calm your nerves.

Gender Identity is a highly controversial topic. Discussions about sexuality and gender identity can evoke a wide array of reactions, ranging from acceptance to intense opposition. Many individuals might shy away from these topics due to fears of discrimination or backlash, especially in environments where traditional values dominate.

Whether you agree or disagree, this topic involves children at a very young age and is a highly charged topic for many parents. Avoiding conversations about sexuality and gender identity can perpetuate stigmas and discrimination. Without these crucial dialogues, understanding and acceptance of diverse identities may stagnate, contributing to marginalization and systemic inequality. There is much more to this topic than I can cover in this summary.

Sports is another highly charged topic. Men in women's sports is highly controversial since the birth of gender identity. I can't help but wonder why men who identify as female don't start their leagues. Don't you think this would solve that issue? You can look at all the moral arguments, but science doesn't lie. There are physical differences in strength and other areas where the playing field is not equal when you mix the two genders.

That said, open discussion is necessary to find a solution to this debate—a solution that treats both sides equally and fairly. Running from this topic is not going to make it go away. Banning the practice will not eliminate the topic. In my opinion, biological men do not belong in female sports. Scientifically, the match is not equal. Therefore, that becomes unfair to the biological women who have trained their entire lives to achieve their goals, only to be placed in a situation where they probably have no chance of winning, or, as it has been documented, severe injuries could occur.

IN CLOSING:

These are just a few of the topics people often refrain from discussing for the reasons I have discussed. Reasons that should not exist if people can have intelligent conversations without arguing. Maybe that is idealistic thinking. After all, we do not live in a perfect world.

However, each of us cannot live in a bubble, nor can we think that our opinion is the only one that matters. We share this tiny rock called a planet with approximately 8.2 billion people. Ladies and gentlemen, that is a great deal of different opinions. Anyone who dares to think that only their opinion is the only one that matters and that they must be right is living in a fantasy world. Oh yes. One day, society will evolve, maybe not in our lifetime, but it will. No, people will not always agree, but they will handle themselves differently. Society will have to learn how to communicate and solve its differences correctly out of necessity—the necessity to eliminate the risk of self-destruction.

While the reasons for avoiding sensitive topics are varied and deeply entrenched in personal and societal contexts, addressing these subjects can help foster understanding, empathy, and healing. Engaging in respectful conversations about politics, religion, mental health, finance, death, and sexuality holds the potential to enrich personal relationships and create a more informed, tolerant society. Navigating these discussions with care and openness can lead to mutual growth and awareness, ultimately bridging the gaps that silence creates.

As a society, we must learn how to communicate effectively with one another. Progress only occurs when the process to obtain progress is done correctly. If not, all we have is the present chaos.

I hope you enjoyed this week's blog post. Please subscribe to my blog, YouTube channel, or Vimeo Channel, and follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Truth Social, and "X" (Formerly Twitter).

Please feel free to leave a comment. If you would like me to discuss a topic, please email me at crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. As always, I accept guest blog posts. If you wish to write about a topic, email your finished draft in Word format to crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. I will review it and get back to you. Thank you.