I used to enjoy a good political debate

[Flowerslamp]

And, being very slightly left of centre in my ethos, would sometimes argue either side, depending on the views of the person I was talking to, just for fun.

But since the explosion in popularity of Reform, it's not fun anymore. I actually find it really upsetting talking to people whose views I've always respected but who suddenly seem to have turned downright nasty, dehumanising anyone less fortunate than them.

I used to be able to feel calm even in what appeared to be a heated discussion. Now I find myself feeling upset very early on.

I understand some of what's led us here, that people feel a change is needed etc, but I'm finding it really difficult. I have one friend previously Tory friend who's always seen it as sport to rile me, but always good natured. Now it doesn't feel like that at all.

Anyone else?

I’d agree with you. There’s much more blame going on, as well as a general disappearance of agreeing to disagree. Suddenly, a single opinion you might hold means that your entire personality and life is shaped by that belief, which then makes you the devil incarnate. You believe A, so you’re responsible for B and C happening. Tolerance and making room for different opinions appears to have vanished.

Yes, I actively avoid discussing politics with certain friends and family now because of the extremes of opinions. People who I would never have described as racist now saying the most abhorrent things about foreigners for example. Some of whom have always been happy to let my immigrant husband cook for them! It never used to be like this, it’s as if everyone and everything is fair game now, the gloves are off.

One of the things that makes me angry is the fact that so called “leaders”, politicians, and other people in the limelight, are a in large part responsible for driving this and manipulating people, and causing hatred and division.

I was going to agree with you but then you did that thing where people with different opinions are evil.
I am left of centre for most things, very left wing for some, slightly right wing for others. I have often found myself playing devil's advocate in a discussion with someone who broadly agrees with me.
The problem now is that if someone has very different political opinions they are deemed to be "bad" people. Something has changed in the last 10 to 15 years. Brexit has a lot to answer for, people became divided in a way I have never seen before and it's leaching into everything.

Brexit has a lot to answer for, people became divided in a way I have never seen before and it's leaching into everything

I think it started even earlier than that. Do you remember that woman wanting to talk to Gordon Brown about the impact of unregulated immigration in her area and his default position was that she was a bigot? There was no listening to her view point, or challenging her beliefs if he thought they were incorrect. He went straight to name calling. And that has spread on all sides.