Why is it that follow travellers always start talking politics and ask you all these awkward questions when they realise that you are from South-Africa?

We had five South Africans on our Egypt tour.As I recall, no politics were mentioned. But I was interested in a company my South African friend works for, and as it happened, one of the five worked for a company that was tied to my friend's, and this broke the ice for many an interesting chat about our countries. But certainly no politics.
The company ? It was `Tigerbrands`.

Maybe it's just me....but I suppose I don't really mind talking about what I do, how many kids I have, in genreal about me...actually; I LOVE talking about those things! I love who I am & have no problem sharing myself in that way with others!

Now, If you want to ask me my weight or or like a PP just stated, "Challenging me to give my age", I might answer........., maybe with a bit of sarcasm, but think those type of questions are a bit over the line.

But asking me about my kids & if I'm married seems like friendly get-to -know you questions, in my humble opinion.......but again, maybe this is just me??

I wanted to qualify what I said about sharing about me....If ppl are asking...I don't have any trouble sharing, I don't push myself on others & don'yt feel like anyone HAS to give details if they don't want to

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Originally posted by Timone:
Why is it that follow travellers always start talking politics and ask you all these awkward questions when they realise that you are from South-Africa?

Sorry Timone. I guess we outsiders grab the chance to listen to someone who hasn't gone through a sub-editor; someone who knows what he/she is talking about. Your country is really interesting, but I think that most people would restrain themselves from being pushy if you simply replied (assuming that it's true) something like "I don't like to discuss political matters", or "That's a difficult and sensitive issue, and if you don't mind, I'd rather not chat about it", or even "Look, I'm proud of my country, so please don't start criticising it".

I guess I'm asking you to be patient, because people from other countries have, so often, been patient with me, and, in nearly every case, turned my opinions if not exactly inside out, certainly looking in a different direction. I'm very grateful to them for their understanding.

Mallee

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Originally posted by Timone:
Why is it that follow travellers always start talking politics and ask you all these awkward questions when they realise that you are from South-Africa?

Hi Timone ~ Welcome to the BB

I guess it depends on what the intent is behind the questions. I would guess most are genuinely interested in how your country runs. It has often been discussed on the BB that we like to travel with folk from other countries as it broadens our outlook.

If you are uncomfortable just smile & say you prefer not to discuss politics.

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Originally posted by Dimpz:

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Originally posted by Timone:
Why is it that follow travellers always start talking politics and ask you all these awkward questions when they realise that you are from South-Africa?

Hi Timone ~ Welcome to the BB

I guess it depends on what the intent is behind the questions. I would guess most are genuinely interested in how your country runs. It has often been discussed on the BB that we like to travel with folk from other countries as it broadens our outlook.

If you are uncomfortable just smile & say you prefer not to discuss politics.

I couldn't have said it better!

Political conversations are a minefield and should be avoided. I made the mistake once to give my honest and objective opinion when I was asked about certain matters in South Africa and I was avoided for the rest of the tour. I could only presume that these people made wrong assumptions about me. It is inconsiderate and insensitive to ask strangers political questions. I've learned to change the subject tactfully. D.

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Originally posted by dalene:
Political conversations are a minefield and should be avoided. I made the mistake once to give my honest and objective opinion when I was asked about certain matters in South Africa and I was avoided for the rest of the tour. I could only presume that these people made wrong assumptions about me. It is inconsiderate and insensitive to ask strangers political questions. I've learned to change the subject tactfully. D.

Fair enough, Dalene, although there's not much that's not political, including hairstyles, music, and food. Education, emancipation, animal husbandry, climate change...like the man said, Man is a political animal. Of course, one can't expect to learn without listening to and respecting others' opinions, and if both you and Timone have said "Don't ask", then I guess we can't. Thanks for the guidance.

However, my main response to your post is indignation on your behalf! Silly goats. They were doing you a favour by not inflicting their company on you, and I sincerely hope that their foolishiness didn't spoil your tour.

Since you're on the board, how are your brother's plans to visit SA (South Australia) going?

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Originally posted by Dimpz:

quote:

Originally posted by Timone:
Why is it that follow travellers always start talking politics and ask you all these awkward questions when they realise that you are from South-Africa?

Hi Timone ~ Welcome to the BB

I guess it depends on what the intent is behind the questions. I would guess most are genuinely interested in how your country runs. It has often been discussed on the BB that we like to travel with folk from other countries as it broadens our outlook.

If you are uncomfortable just smile & say you prefer not to discuss politics.

Hear, hear, Dimpz. Wise advice.

Brenda

quote:

Originally posted by Timone:
Why is it that follow travellers always start talking politics and ask you all these awkward questions when they realise that you are from South-Africa?

Sorry Timone - you asked such an interesting and important question that I forgot my manners! Welcome to the board!

I certainly dodge talking about politics these days. Everyone has their own views and who I vote for noone is interested in anyway.

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Originally posted by dalene:
Political conversations are a minefield and should be avoided. I made the mistake once to give my honest and objective opinion when I was asked about certain matters in South Africa and I was avoided for the rest of the tour. I could only presume that these people made wrong assumptions about me. It is inconsiderate and insensitive to ask strangers political questions. I've learned to change the subject tactfully. D.

Dalene: I must confess that wanting to learn about the way other nations work is part of my makeup, and that includes the way their countries run in its power structures. But more than that, and this is what leads me on to ask questions, is how do the power structures of a country affect people "on the ground" as it were. Do you agree or not--if either--why--and then I feel I learn something even if it's not always an idea I'm comfortable with. But, to take this out personally on a person by avoiding them is just wrong.

Thanks for bringing your country and its people to the board, Dalene and Rex. I still have that fabulous picture of those little girls imprinted on my mind, and there's something the results from the politics and is all good.

Brenda

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Originally posted by jenno:
I certainly dodge talking about politics these days. Everyone has their own views and who I vote for noone is interested in anyway.

Jenno: I'm one of those nosey types who wants to know, not who you vote for, but where on a political spectrum do your own ideas fit. So, for example, I might ask Australians about their views of this government they voted for in comparison with the one they voted out. Similarly, I'm (all of us up here) are vitally interested in the U.S. election because it affects us as very much in terms of trade agreements, continental defence, diplomacy, and several other issues. I'm pretty open about where I stand but I don't, at least I try not to, proselytize about it. I just like a good discussion about things not a personal attack.

Brenda

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I just like a good discussion about things not a personal attack.

Unfortunately I have friends who know my political views and quite a while ago I decided to make it a taboo subject! Just like sex and politics.