I had the most amazing dinner party a few days after Christmas. The food was simple (three different soups and cornbread) and the guests were some dear friends. The interesting part about the evening is that the conversation drifted fairly quickly into the two big dinner party taboos: religion and politics. The six of us come from extremely different geographical, religious, political and philosophical backgrounds. But what made it so enjoyable is that we sat around the table way into the night discussing our thoughts, beliefs and opinions. No one got angry. No one left in a huff. No one took cheap shots. And we all parted as friends. Actually, I’d say we all parted as better friends.
Reasonable, respectful discourse. There’s nothing like it!
The lack of reasonable, respectful discourse is one of the things I find so tiresome about Facebook. With many friends on both sides of the religious and political fences I see all the venom spewed about so freely. It’s easy to cheer on the ones who I agree with, but I also know how it feels when my views are in the target. So I try my best to be respectful and not join in the hatred. And, don’t kid yourself, hatred is what it is.
I admit I made a mistake last week when sitting in a restaurant with some friends. A certain politician’s name was brought up and, without thinking, I spouted out my negative opinion. Turns out the person sitting next to me is a big fan of this person. And I like the person sitting next to me.
I should have kept my mouth shut. Some day I’ll learn. It really doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, cheap shots will do nothing but create enemies from people you like otherwise.
With Facebook, it’s a little different. Most of those folks I don’t really know, unfortunately. So when the cheapshots occur, even some that I agree with, my response is usually to just unfriend that person…or at least unsubscribe from their posts. Especially when the cheapshot consists of the latest photo or slogan that perpetuates some untruth about the folks on the other side of the fence.
Look, I don’t care if you disagree with me and my beliefs or not. Just don’t make up reasons to justify your point of view. Let your point of view be enough.
(Stepping down from my soapbox now….and onto a much lighter subject.)
If I could chose any profession, other than my own, I would love to have been a chef. Or possibly a food critic. Or both. :) I love food. I’m a pretty average cook, but I have a deep appreciation for food preparation and, especially, great ingredients. Moving to Santa Barbara and discovering the fresh seafood and farmer’s markets here has been such a delight.
My friends Julie and Mark went to dinner the other night at Cafe Margot, one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. I made Julie text me what she was having so I could taste vicariously through her!
Tomorrow night I’m having dinner with friends at a favorite Santa Barbara restaurant. The chef frequents the local fish and farmer’s markets and, in addition to their regular menu items, plans specials around whatever great local food stuffs are available. So, although this could change when I get there tomorrow night, this is what I’m planning on ordering:
Appetizer: Pesto sauteed scallops on a baby spinach salad with roasted garlic dressing.
Main course: Vegetable Napoleon with a Gorgonzola potato cake and wild mushrooms with grilled eggplant, grilled polenta and roasted red peppers with roasted tomato sauce and grated parmigiano reggiano.
YUM!
Great post! Margot together next you’re in town??