I am not interested in politics ...

Just a recent example- it is not possible to complain about train transport, without looking at the context, and how the rail system has been privatised and cut into chunks which don't link very well- thus causing so many issues.

And it is not 'knocking down the UK' to say that this was a political decision, and one that most countries have not chosen, as they felt a good public transport system is vital, and beyond share-holders pockets.

I agree! Everything is politics. When I trip over because the street has pot holes. Climate change. Lack of GP appointments.

Although, to be honest, I don't come across people as often these days who say they're not interested in politics. I think most of us have realised that if we don't get interested, everything will be taken away from us and the earth will be damaged irreparably.

It means they don't want to be 'battered' with someone else's strongly held views, whatever those views happen to be.

It means they don't want to talk about politics.

It means they don't want to have their ear chewed off, as the saying goes, by someone whose political views are very strong, some of which they might disagree with but don't have the energy to engage with whoever is opposing them.

It means they don't want to have their polticial views judged by someone they may feel has biases based on incomplete information or as a result of prejudice.

Stuff like that, I reckon.

Or it could mean they just don't know what to think so any or all of the above is tiresome in the extreme because it never seems to help when you're a fence-sitter.

BTW, I agree that everything people do is political but that's a separate issue from what the OP was asking.

Fleur's comment about UK train transport is an example of what people don't want to get involved in, except privately, with people they know and trust.

I seem to remember rail travel was even worse when it was state owned. Certainly improvements have been made in my adulthood.

Which does not mean I don't think rail services should be nationalised. I'm actually not sure, truth be told. Train services where I am are worse than they were pre-pandemic and, guess what, the worse services, at least in my area, started after the Scottish Gov nationalised Scotrail.

?

Baggs

It means they don't want to be 'battered' with someone else's strongly held views, whatever those views happen to be.

It means they don't want to talk about politics.

It means they don't want to have their ear chewed off, as the saying goes, by someone whose political views are very strong, some of which they might disagree with but don't have the energy to engage with whoever is opposing them.

It means they don't want to have their polticial views judged by someone they may feel has biases based on incomplete information or as a result of prejudice.

Stuff like that, I reckon.

Or it could mean they just don't know what to think so any or all of the above is tiresome in the extreme because it never seems to help when you're a fence-sitter.

So they prefer complacency? Up to them!

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you. Pericles

I think many people are fragile, and are worried about their views being challenged because they find it upsetting to argue.

Baggs

BTW, I agree that everything people do is political but that's a separate issue from what the OP was asking.

Absolutely.
I think you are talking about another thread Fleurpepper when you did not like to be told it was not a political thread by posters.
It was not.When people are looking for comfort or reassurance and advice on a personal matter then long posts about the state of this country and so on, and Brexit are not the right thing to do.

I said this on another thread, I work with families some of whom struggle to get children to school let alone think about politics. I think thinking about politics is often a luxury.

Baggs

Fleur's comment about UK train transport is an example of what people don't want to get involved in, except privately, with people they know and trust.

I seem to remember rail travel was even worse when it was state owned. Certainly improvements have been made in my adulthood.

Which does not mean I don't think rail services should be nationalised. I'm actually not sure, truth be told. Train services where I am are worse than they were pre-pandemic and, guess what, the worse services, at least in my area, started after the Scottish Gov nationalised Scotrail.

?

That's not what I said and this pat answer is another reason why people want to avoid discussions of politics.

It really isn't simple and being dismissive of people for not wanting to talk about one's own pet subjects is part of the problem.

There's also a phenonmenon of tiresome 'ear-chewing' by people one agrees with, so it's not all about disagreement.

Baggs

It means they don't want to be 'battered' with someone else's strongly held views, whatever those views happen to be.

It means they don't want to talk about politics.

It means they don't want to have their ear chewed off, as the saying goes, by someone whose political views are very strong, some of which they might disagree with but don't have the energy to engage with whoever is opposing them.

It means they don't want to have their polticial views judged by someone they may feel has biases based on incomplete information or as a result of prejudice.

Stuff like that, I reckon.

Or it could mean they just don't know what to think so any or all of the above is tiresome in the extreme because it never seems to help when you're a fence-sitter.

Thanks- but I am not talking about those who refuse to discuss politics with people with 'strong' views (and tbh when you look at the list, no wonder people do feel strongly about those issues)- I am talking here about those who totally deny the influence of 'politics' on those subjects.

Recently, I was accused, shoute at even, not to politicise an issue. There were many aspects to the situation discussed, familial, social, cultural- all very important- but there was also clearly a political side too, which had altered the situation greatly. But this was just dismissed, which is not healthy at all.

And the list I gave in OP one covers a huge number of discussions here. When people want to join private health schemes, crowd-fund for operations, despair about not being able to get a GP appointment, a carer, or on huge waiting lists, etc, etc. how can anyone say 'this is not a political thread?'

I am not interested in being preached to about what I should or should not care about.

Galaxy

I said this on another thread, I work with families some of whom struggle to get children to school let alone think about politics. I think thinking about politics is often a luxury.

Yes. Just so. They don't have the necessary extra energy after just getting on with their daily lives.

I have never heard anyone say they are not interested in politics, on this forum or in real life.But for those who are not,
It does not matter as they no doubt have their own reasons.

Aveline

I am not interested in being preached to about what I should or should not care about.

✔️ Wish we had a like button.

Perhaps some people gave other pressing problems and worries which take up all their time and energy and as Baggs said they don't want to be battered by other people's views . Some people get so aggressive and self righteous about politics. Not all of us enjoy confrontation if we hold different views, especially if we have other things on our mind.

Recently, I was accused, shoute at even, not to politicise an issue. There were many aspects to the situation discussed, familial, social, cultural- all very important- but there was also clearly a political side too, which had altered the situation greatly. But this was just dismissed, which is not healthy at all.

I agree but maybe whoever was discussing whatever it was only wanted to discuss the subject in very general terms. I don't find it hard to imagine that indset and to tolerate it.

*mindset

Overtly political discussions can seem very intolerant. I think that scares a lot of people off.

Personally I think politics are the stuff of life. It affects us all whether we are interested or not. I find politics fascinating.
But I would defend anyone's right to say that are not interested, or just want to avoid discussing it.
Also, there is the point that some people are nervous of expressing their opinion because of others who maybe tend to be a little overbearing at times.

When a poster starts a thread looking for advice and support as opposed to discussing politics, it is so tiresome when a poster arrives to bang their drum, yet again, with their strong personal political views and an ear bashing of, one obviously has no interest in what is happening in the UK when reminded this is not a political thread as the OP has other worries at this moment. I don’t appreciate being preached at nor being told what I think.

There comes a point when the ear basher should read the room and zip it.

I am not “not interested” in politics but I lack knowledge. I think the news and politics threads are interesting and, for me, educational, and I don’t mind the strong views (which come from both “left” and “right” let’s be clear). I would definitely miss them from GN.

I’m not sure why posters need be nervous? If someone “has a go” you are not actually in the room with them ! Just read it, reply or ignore or move on !

It is strange that people say there is no time for politics and people are too busy. In the past people worked longer hours, did more physical work and had less labour saving devices yet they were involved with politics. It's why Unions and the Labour Party came into existence.

Oh I can agree that people don't want to engage with others for fear of an argument. That's fair enough.

But the 'not intereste in politics' is a cop out. Be honest. Say you don't want to discuss them.