America: They don't make it like they used to

October 21, 2022 By Robert Arvay

When I was very young, in the 1950s, Thanksgiving dinner was always a pleasant and memorable affair.  The food was wonderfully good, and the visiting family members always lavished my mom with praise for her cooking.  We talked to one another.  I remember that a few conversations began with the topics of religion and politics.  Even at that young age, I recognized that there were strong, insurmountable disagreements.  Quickly, the topic was diplomatically diverted to weather, sports, and other benign subjects.  When it came time to leave, there were hugs and fond farewells, and cheerful well wishes.  Pleasant memories, indeed.  

Fifty years later, at least two young members of my extended family have cut off all communication with me over online disagreements about religion and politics.  There is no further prospect of "talking with one another."  It's not only the disagreements that severed the relationships.  It is the vulgar, even obscene language needlessly injected into the brief discussions — not by them, but by their friends.  It was when I politely asked for civility that I found myself blocked — by my loved ones — instantly and without warning.  I was naïve enough to think that soon, after further contemplation, the bans would be lifted, but, a couple of years later, I still do not hear from them.  .............To Read More....