It isn't difficult to distinguish polarizing topics today in society that might cause a lot of stir. Politics in general is going to ruffle a lot of feathers and for those who advocate for a consistent liberty position that might piss off both the right and the left you might find yourself questioning on occasion why you would want to.
Standing by your principles is one thing, but when you might sacrifice jobs, relationships, reputation, financial well-being etc, for your political stance, then that might be when some start wondering if it is worth it.
You can still hold those views even if you don't vocalize them to others. So what's the point? To find those who are likeminded? To try and convince others of your position? There are varying reasons.
One recent survey by Heterodox Academy found that students today largely avoid approaching controversial topics.
The survey found that about 39.5 avoid politics in discussions, followed by 31.8 religion, and 27.5 about race. Why might that be? Because discussing these views today can rip families apart, and yes even college acquaintances and friends one might stick with.
You might even find yourself at some point becoming the target of a cancel culture witch hunt.
How can this not be a reflection of the weakness of individuals in being unable to tolerate anything that goes against their own subjective narrative? But then again, maybe it is just those wise individuals who know that not much good can come from engaging in these sorts of discussions.
Very rarely are people going to convince one another. You aren't likely to convince your friends, family, or that random stranger online.
You might find that it's rather uncommon to come across others that will be reasonable in respecting controversial views, or those who will tolerate thinkers that don't align with their own narrative.
Political leaders, "experts", and mainstream media have a hand in setting the example along these lines as well.
When the consequences of speaking out are being cancelled and shamed, it will make many simply avoid the discussion altogether. Aside from that there might also be students who just value peace and do not want to seek conflict in debating with and vocalizing every thought to every individual around them on these controversial topics.
For some, discussing these topics is a way of life and has helped them to foster careers and friendships, by being open and even rather obnoxious about these topics in their lives. Some have even sought to monetize their views on politics, religion, or race etc.
Individuals trying to avoid controversial topics isn't anything new.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
The warning to avoid politics and religious discussions has been a piece of life advice that has circulated for decades. With social media platforms available today it becomes more difficult to keep those opinions to ourselves though, to avoid falling into arguing with others and being potentially ostracized from our communities for views that many others might not agree with or like to hear. But being able to discuss these ideas without becoming overwhelmed with feelings should be more common among students in universities and other educational facilities today, environments that seek to coddle aren't doing any intellectual good.