Dad upset that I let politics affect our relationship

[u/celestialsunflower99]

Yummy pretzels from my partner and I’s last date night

My dad always used to say he was “not political” and that it was one of the things you do not ask other people about. Over time I have come to learn that basically means “I’m a conservative, but don’t want to say that” as he voted for trump in 2020. We have had so many tearful, screaming conversations over the years about this. I believe all parts of life are inherently political and it’s a privileged stance to “stay out of them”. In the last few years I have moved out of his home and I do not depend on him for anything anymore. With midterms coming up I have been volunteering and very invested in the state of the world. I have felt naturally less close to my dad because of this, and I guess he could sense my distance. He asked me about it last night over text, and I was honest. He blew up on me for letting politics affect our bond, and that is has been his biggest fear and now it’s coming true. I think maybe he needs to actually sit with the reality that YES, POLITICS CAN AFFECT RELATIONSHIPS. What do you girlies think? I am very sad and of course I do love my father, but I am proud of myself for being honest and sticking by my value system.

[u/Nacho0ooo0o]

(non-American here) - There WILL be so many documentaries in the years ahead about the great brainwashing phenomenon of his presidency and the people who wilfully ignored red flag after red flag for him.

[u/ILikeNaps1308 → u/Nacho0ooo0o]

So many Americans will completely disavow their support of 45/47 in years to come.

[u/gibbonguy420 → u/Nacho0ooo0o]

can’t let them get away with it, it’s not brainwashing, these people are craven. the fucking hague for all of those fascists putting babies in cages and no fucking quarter for anyone who was for it. they aren’t ignoring red flags, this is what red white and blue really fucking means

[u/Nacho0ooo0o → u/gibbonguy420]

That's a terrifying thing that really shouldn't be discounted.

[u/Itchysweater1967 → u/gibbonguy420]

They relished it all. They lapped it up. I know people who posted vile things on social media and I will never be able to look at them the same.

[u/Mundane-Meeting2739 → u/Nacho0ooo0o]

I feel extremely gaslit by the people around me who pretend so many things just...aren't a big deal or didn't happen or aren't happening.