2008 Woodie Awards
Devil's Advocate
Weekly advice with a devilish twist
Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: Features
Dear Devil's Advocate,
I live in an off-campus apartment
with a few friends I met at St. John's.
We share the same beliefs in religion,
politics, and music. However, a few
days ago, I overheard my roommate
talking on the phone about how he
does not appreciate when people use
the phrase "freedom vs. terrorism".
He said that he felt it was wrong to
boil down all aspects of life into two
categories. I am a strong advocate of
freedom, and I believe it is every
American's right to discuss freedom
and proclaim how great it is to be
free. I don't think my roomate hates
freedom, but how can I talk to him
about being uncomfortable with him
discussing it in such a manner?
Please help!
-Freedom Fighter
Dear Freedom Fighter,
We're usually taught to avoid topics
such as politics, money and religion
in certain environments. Politics
is a touchy subject and if it creates
tension in your household it may be
best to avoid talking about it. Not that
I'm saying it isn't entertaining to
engage in a healthy debate from time
to time, but it may spark a full-blown
left wing vs. right wing battle that
would undoubtedly create tension in
your home. Obviously your roommate
is exercising his freedom of
speech which he is clearly entitled to,
but if it is bothering you it shouldn't
go unheard. Some people are more
sensitive than others regarding topics
they are passionate about and while
he may not share your beliefs, he
should respect your right to have
them. Bring up the issue during a neutral
moment when you're both calm
and mention that you would like him
to be more careful and sensitive to
others when expressing his stance in
politics. You may disagree with him,
but it doesn't mean you guys can't
live in harmony.
Dear Devil's Advocate,
My girlfriend and I have been
dating for three years. But now that
I'm graduating, I have been thinking
I live in an off-campus apartment
with a few friends I met at St. John's.
We share the same beliefs in religion,
politics, and music. However, a few
days ago, I overheard my roommate
talking on the phone about how he
does not appreciate when people use
the phrase "freedom vs. terrorism".
He said that he felt it was wrong to
boil down all aspects of life into two
categories. I am a strong advocate of
freedom, and I believe it is every
American's right to discuss freedom
and proclaim how great it is to be
free. I don't think my roomate hates
freedom, but how can I talk to him
about being uncomfortable with him
discussing it in such a manner?
Please help!
-Freedom Fighter
Dear Freedom Fighter,
We're usually taught to avoid topics
such as politics, money and religion
in certain environments. Politics
is a touchy subject and if it creates
tension in your household it may be
best to avoid talking about it. Not that
I'm saying it isn't entertaining to
engage in a healthy debate from time
to time, but it may spark a full-blown
left wing vs. right wing battle that
would undoubtedly create tension in
your home. Obviously your roommate
is exercising his freedom of
speech which he is clearly entitled to,
but if it is bothering you it shouldn't
go unheard. Some people are more
sensitive than others regarding topics
they are passionate about and while
he may not share your beliefs, he
should respect your right to have
them. Bring up the issue during a neutral
moment when you're both calm
and mention that you would like him
to be more careful and sensitive to
others when expressing his stance in
politics. You may disagree with him,
but it doesn't mean you guys can't
live in harmony.
Dear Devil's Advocate,
My girlfriend and I have been
dating for three years. But now that
I'm graduating, I have been thinking
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