HACKER Q&A
📣 domano

How divided are US-Americans in real life?


As an european i get my impressions of US life from the news, shows and through communities like HN or dev stuff.

In my bubble it seems like there should be constant political conflict in everyday life - which just seems impractical.

In your daily life, how much influence do current events regarding the elections have and how often do people talk or argue about it?


  👤 rossdavidh Accepted Answer ✓
What I see is that things are so hostile, that most people try not to raise the topic if they're in a "mixed" group.

Having both conservative and progressive friends myself, I sometimes find out that people assume I'm on their side, and are a bit deer-in-the-headlights when they find out I'm not.

I think the nastiness online is so bad that most (not all) people have figured out it is unwise to be having an in-person conversation about it unless everyone's on the same side, because it could get out of hand very quickly.

All of this mostly amounts to "everyone stays in their bubble", of course, which likely makes it all worse.


👤 rel2thr
Ha There is almost 0 in person arguing about politics, I think that’s why it gets hostile online

Generally a persons friend group are all on the same side

In the workplace there are mixed opinions obviously. Depending on if it’s a liberal or conservative company , the majority may make mild discussion about various things, and the minority will keep quiet to not make a fuss


👤 awnird
Depends, does planting bombs at the capitol count as real life or not?

👤 domano
Also to add to my submission, i am aware of the events in the capitol but wanted to know more about everyday life and typical interactions. So far it seems that there really is a great divide even in close-knit groups.

This is very interesting for us europeans i think, since a lot of arguments and political movements spill over. At least it is that way in germany in my experience.


👤 gamechangr
Almost none...and I have family members on both sides.