Is it possible to have a civil discussion on things like politics or religion?

Yes, it's certainly possible to have a civil and courteous discussion on SW, in my opinion. I have had plenty of political debates with other users on SW, about "hot" topics like Brexit, Trump, and so on, and their political opinions were totally different from mine. If you stay civil yourself, and explain your point of view politely, you will encounter a lot of friendliness even from people where you would not expect it at first sight. It's a pleasant surprise sometimes, and it shows that the "others" aren't really that bad. 🌷

It depends. There are plenty of trolls and provocateurs, neither of which allow want or allow reasonable discussion. It's a mistake to even try with some people.

There are also people who think the point of debate is to 'win' and that the way to win is to insult and to assume the worst in the 'opponents' intentions. This isn't really about persuading people, it's about blowing off steam and virtue-signalling.

My own politics are somewhat radical and fit into definite traditions and allegiances. However, you have to show empathy and manners. You would IRL so why shouldn't you behave the same online?

Having said that, I will take the piss out of people who are rude or dishonest.

Yes it is, but depends on who you have that discussion with,

most take their emotions as facts and facts as not reality.

One can have intelligent discussions about different religions, and political ideologies with like minded people, say in a classroom.
The problem arises when you talk with zealots who believe their way is the only way.

Used to be like that in the old days... You could vehemently disagree with some one but still fact a polite, facts based augment

I think political views have diverged so far apart it’s not possible to be civilised

Knowledge isn’t a democracy. It’s evidence versus belief. Can each side be objective to the possibility of being wrong?

Cause everyone wants to be right. And thinks they are

People even torture eachother when they largely have similar values.

I am evidently a LBGT hater because I thought the Mr Potatohead thing was stupid.

Ug I've met a lot of democrats like that. I had a conversation with two democrat friends of mine and was trying not to discuss politics but they wouldn't let me get a word in so I just nodded lol 😂

A civil discussion is possible, as long as the discussion is rooted in facts and people are open to considering various sources. You're not going to find that often on SW.

Anything's possible but will people suppress their emotions long enough to have one, is more of the question.

Some people are so wrapped up in their own mindsets, that someone disagreeing with them is like hitting them with a brick.

Personally I would respect anyone until they sound racist.

If there's enough diversion. Yes. Problem is how to create the diversion.

Put it this way. When there are only two opposite views you have the ingredients for your thermonuclear bomb.

When there is a dozen points of view, each one waters all the others down.

Actually it's not just a thermonuclear bomb either. It's like a matter/antimatter bomb. Where the two meet, the result is complete and utter annihilation.

Add some neutral qualities then nothing happens.

It's possible but very rare. With actual friends it's possible though.

Of course it’s possible, and I have, many times.
But you never know who you are discussing this with, and how they feel about it, so always a sensitive topic.
When I worked a service job that required one on one with customers, our training taught us to never discuss religion or politics, for this very reason.

Politics are a hard topic anyways, designed to be that way to keep us arguing amongst ourselves instead of point a finger at the Politicians.

As for Religion... Its all stupid. Faith and religion are two very different things.

It's required of adults. It's also required of adults to investigate and learn about politics.
Did you notice there's a war on conflict resolution? Big money and big military money are opposed to the art of resolution.

Yes but you are not likely to change any minds on those topics. No matter how cogent you believe your argument is people's minds are pretty well made up.

It’s possible but becoming less likely every day.

It's very difficult due to the emotional level

Welcome to modern debate in the Internet age...

Of course! Just depends on who you talk to

only if the other party isn't in the room

I like thermonuclear discussions

There are too many keyboard warriors...so no

No. I dislike the way so many shallow virtue signalling people are so ready to insult complete strangers and attribute to them the grossest of motivations. It has actually made me far less empathic as a whole and lose some respect for humanity