I've argued with my dad a lot about US Police Forces.

[jdnotbyrider]

We just had another verbal fight over it today after the local news reported a guy in New York being killed by police via taser. I said as the story was being reported, "Wow, The United States is already leading above and beyond in gun related police deaths, are we starting to go for the record with taser related deaths too?"

And that's how it started. The main stuff that he said was that:

1. Try heading to a place in The Middle East and see how safe it is in comparasion to the US.

2. The reason that there's so many deaths caused by US Police is because there's a whole lot of douchebags and a whole lot of idiots trying to attack cops.

3. That I shouldn't go about saying that all cops are bad, when it's "20 people out of thousands that are killing people." That part I can somewhat understand.

4. That a few people doing this doesn't justify rioting and burning down towns.

So yeah, that wasn't fun. Then again, not too many conversations with him aren't very fun anymore. One of his common things is that he's 54, and I'm barely 18, and that he likes to say that he knows more because he's lived on this Earth a lot longer then me. And yes, he doesn't listen to my side a lot, but then again, I don't listen to his side a lot either.

Thoughts?

[NewOrleans]

Don't fight by arguing with folks who don't care. Fight by empowering yourself. Go into our recs thread. Read the materials recommended there on race issues.

[josieposy]

Hang out with really smart women.

Hey, I know some of those!

[onomatopoeia]

You'll rarely win a direct argument with people like this. If you really want to engage (which I understand, him being your dad), I find a sideways approach can often work better. Like mentioning the high rate of lead exposure in Freddie Gray's neighborhood, and asking him if he knows what the effects of this are on child development and subsequent educational and employment opportunities. Or the shenanigans that took place in the Ferguson PD in the years leading up to Michael Brown's death.

I mean, don't knock yourself out talking to a brick wall, but you say you don't listen to his side either. Ask him what he thinks, and when he tells you what he thinks ask him why he thinks that way, and what does he think about X? Don't be obnoxious about it (I only say that because I was really obnoxious myself at 18, lol) - sometimes it's more productive to point out someone's stereotypes and assumptions gently, you know? Especially if that someone is a person you're kind of connected to for the long-haul.

I don't know. I've had a few glasses of wine. If i was sober I'd probably tell you to just ignore him and only talk about the Red Sox.

[downtoearth]

I think the PPs have good suggestions - my extended family and even my dad and I have conflicting views on politics. Luckily they also have a good sense of humor and we all sometimes agree to stop at some point when it gets a little heated. Also, I have admitted to not agreeing, but not having supporting facts to back up my opinion at that moment.

Anyway, welcome and I'm surprised that a young guy is jumping right in. We have a lot of inside jokes and women-centered discussions, but if that doesn't scare you, post on.

[jdnotbyrider]

Jun 2, 2015 9:34:04 GMT -5 downtoearth said:

I think the PPs have good suggestions - my extended family and even my dad and I have conflicting views on politics. Luckily they also have a good sense of humor and we all sometimes agree to stop at some point when it gets a little heated. Also, I have admitted to not agreeing, but not having supporting facts to back up my opinion at that moment.

Anyway, welcome and I'm surprised that a young guy is jumping right in. We have a lot of inside jokes and women-centered discussions, but if that doesn't scare you, post on.

The only things that I'm scared of are heights, The Republican Party, and the heights that The Republican Party could potentially reach. 

[StrawberryBlondie]

Welcome! We could use more guys around here.