Buzz
The late George Carlin, a legendary comedian, made a fortune from his iconic "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" monologue. In this routine, he highlights seven specific words that are strictly forbidden on TV (and radio) under any circumstances. Using any of these words would lead to censorship, and a string of them could even bring legal penalties from the FCC in the United States.
While Carlin’s seven forbidden words might not cause much of a stir on the Internet, there are certain topics that remain largely untouchable, regardless of the platform you're on or the point you're trying to make. Bringing up any of these controversial issues in a comment thread, blog, or web discussion almost always triggers an immediate halt to the conversation, quickly escalating into a fiery argument. These topics are particularly volatile because they often have little or no middle ground, forcing people to take sides. Refusing to pick a side will almost always lead to criticism from both sides.
Most of these subjects have been debated for years, and none show signs of becoming less charged. In fact, the speed of online communication has made these topics even more divisive. They’re like grenades, as a wise man once said, “when the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.” So, without further delay and with all due respect to the late Mr. Carlin, here are Ten Topics You Can’t Discuss on the Internet (without triggering serious drama shortly thereafter).
10. The Middle East
The Middle East is a region that sparks intense opinions. Whether it’s about the Palestinian State, oil, or Israel, this land has been a battleground for centuries. Conversations about the Middle East almost always escalate into conflict, simply because no one has found a universally agreeable solution to the region's issues in millennia. Any potential resolution demands that one side give up ground, but so far, no one has been willing to do so. This division extends to the supporters of each side, with labels like ‘Israel is evil,’ ‘Palestinians are evil,’ ‘Jews are evil,’ or ‘Arabs are evil’ frequently thrown around. There’s little room for compromise.
9. Homosexuality
This topic is nearly impossible to discuss rationally. To some, it’s an entirely acceptable lifestyle; to others, it’s abhorrent. Is it genetic? Is it a choice? Can it be ‘cured’? Once someone is gay, are they always gay? The debate is filled with conflicting views, and what makes it even more volatile is the lack of middle ground. Even those who adopt a ‘live and let live’ stance often find themselves vilified by one side or the other. The topic is especially explosive because homosexuality has become more visible and accepted in mainstream society, which some view as a positive change, while others fear it signals the end of times.
8. Jesus Christ
Few individuals have sparked as much debate throughout history as Jesus Christ. His life marks the division of the Western calendar into BC and AD. He is also one of the most polarizing figures to have ever lived. Was he simply a remarkable man and teacher, or was he truly God in human form? Alternatively, some claim he never even existed. Despite being able to have rational discussions about the existence of God, people often turn to insults and name-calling when the topic of Jesus arises. It’s a surefire way to stir up a fiery debate.
7. Race Relations
“Can’t we all just get along?” is rarely a viable option. While things have improved in certain areas, in others, the situation remains unchanged. Nonetheless, having a reasonable conversation about the issue is nearly impossible. Moderate voices are often drowned out. Even in the 21st century, there are still those who believe in racial superiority, despite the fact that race itself is a social construct. We have distinct ethnicities, yes, but race is defined almost entirely by skin color and physical characteristics like bone structure and muscle layout. Though we’ve made progress, there is still much to be done, and discussing the topic rationally is a challenge. Accusations of discrimination come from all directions, and before long, the “discussion” has turned into chaos.
6. Abortion
Pro-Choice. Pro-Life. Anti-choice. Baby. Fetus. When does life truly begin? I’ve come across numerous accounts claiming that civil discourse on abortion is nearly impossible in person, and even more so online. It’s easy to see why. This topic is inherently divisive. It pits men against women, one religion against another, freedom against control, and for some, it’s a matter of life or death. The most contentious part of the abortion debate, however, is how both sides often reduce the discussion to black-and-white thinking, overlooking the many nuanced questions that don’t fit neatly into either box. In the real world, this can lead to extreme protests and even clinic bombings. Online, it’s just as volatile, with otherwise reasonable people quickly escalating to anger. It's too emotional and should be avoided at all costs.
5. Gun Control
This issue primarily affects Americans and is deeply political, but people from countries with either strict gun laws or no gun laws at all (and little concern about them) are sure to weigh in on this heated debate. For Americans, this topic is particularly contentious because it touches on the very foundation of the country – the Constitution and the right (or not) to bear arms. We’ve already seen at least one major argument erupt online over this issue.
4. The Holocaust
The Holocaust is always a highly volatile topic. Some argue it never happened, others claim the death toll is exaggerated. Some ask why it continues to dominate so much attention. For some, the Holocaust is exclusively about the Jews; for others, it represents the suffering of all the Nazi-targeted populations. One reason this issue is so inflammatory is that there are still enough eyewitnesses to provide firsthand accounts, but there are also those who rely on secondhand information, leaving them vulnerable to the influence of deniers. No other topic seems to provoke such intense emotions, and if anyone dares to claim indifference, well, good luck.
3. Religion
Throughout history, more lives have been lost in the name of God—regardless of which name is used—than due to almost any other cause. Whether Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, or Scientologist, there’s one sure way to upset everyone: criticize someone else’s religion or lack of belief. Religion, or spirituality if you prefer, is among the most personal aspects of anyone's identity, even for those who reject it entirely. Additionally, religion is often a family matter. When someone perceives an attack on their faith, it quickly becomes personal and extends to their loved ones. A small spark can quickly escalate into a massive explosion. To make things even more complicated, many religions include proselytizing as part of their core tenets. And some individuals, not out of obligation but by desire, will seek to share their beliefs. This is when two deeply personal worlds collide, resulting in an inevitable firestorm.
So there you have it. The ten topics you absolutely cannot discuss online (without immediate drama unfolding). A bit of advice: it might be wiser to examine why some topics are so off-limits for discussion without causing a war, rather than delving into the specifics of the issues themselves. Let’s aim for a more civil discourse than the last list that mentioned one of these hot-button topics.
2. Origins of Man
Evolution or Creation? The sheer volume of books written on both sides of this debate could fill an entire library. Each camp comes armed with countless facts and data to support its view, and each side is convinced that the other's evidence is utterly meaningless. The real problem, once again, is the lack of a middle ground. If someone attempts to present a viewpoint that blends elements from both sides, they’ll quickly be torn apart by both factions. When the topic of human origins arises, all bets are off.
1. Politics
Among all the topics listed, politics seems to have become the most contentious recently (though not on Mytour—item 6 holds that title). In the United States, there are the Republicans and the Democrats, while in other countries, such as the UK and many Commonwealth nations, similar political parties exist. For the most devoted political supporters, their party represents more than just a preference—it’s a family, a team, and a cause they’re ready to defend with everything they have. I’ve witnessed people physically ill upon discovering that ‘their’ candidate lost an election. The most tragic outcome of this extreme partisanship, however, is the resulting political gridlock. Politicians are well aware of these divides and will exploit them, pulling out all the stops to solidify their own support base and ensure their hold on power.
