How can I stop a relative sending political WhatsApp messages?

[StirringsStill]

There are so many messages I’d like to send to the relative who spams me several times a day with her latest outrage from the Reform Facebook group. Today it included a Sweaty Betty hijab which Karen thinks is dangerous and should be banned. And unnecessary because Muslims don’t go to the gym, FFS!!! All the messages are sweary and shouty. And there are loads of exclamation marks!!! What on earth is happening to our country!!! FFS!!! And loads of pictures of folk in small boats.

How do I negotiate this? I’ve tried ignoring them. Still they come. I’ve politely asked to be dropped from the distribution list. But still they come. I fantasise about telling her to fuck off but she’s a family member and it would just cause a lot of drama. And occasionally among the political guff there’s a message about a family thing. But not very often.

How do I stop this intrusion? At the moment her messages go to locked hidden chats on WhatsApp. I just look at the messages once a week and mass delete. But I don’t enjoy seeing them. They ruin my day amd make me feel stressed (I’m not usually such a snowflake). It’s annoying me that I don’t really know how to deal with this. I’d be very grateful for some help.

No I’m not saying you enjoy it as such, but the adrenaline of it gets addictive , it’s gets normal and the absence of it seems strange. Bit like picking a scab.

Was thinking that, but maybe she actually is called Karen?
If not, it's funny how those who claim to hate sexism/racism are happy to use a sexist term.

I very much doubt she's called Karen. I also very much doubt OP will acknowledge her own misogyny while looking down from her ivory tower on her inappropriate Reform-voting relative.

Send her that Boring Boring Boring thing from the conference. Reform supporters find that hilarious.

archive and mute.

How exactly have you "asked" her?

How about a separate note saying, "I appreciate your thinking of me, but, again, please take me off these news lists. I'm generally fairly well informed, and I'm just so overwhelmed with messages that I'm trying to just use that space for personal news from friends and relations. Do tell me your own news, though!"

Threaten to whack her with a walking stick and pull her hair.

But yes, unfortunate self own with the misogyny

I wouldn’t let anyone send me stupid, racist bull shit without telling them to stop spreading misinformation and hatred and being gullible and to get a life. Literally just counter her argument with actual facts and block her if she continues. Racism shouldn’t be ignored just because people are old or “they won’t change”. It’s everyone’s job to try to educate people and let them know it won’t be tolerated.

“Hey, can we keep our chats politics free please. If we could just focus on when/where our meet-ups are going to be that would be really helpful.”
sorted

This is good, and more than fair.

Nevermind stop the boats <relative>, how do I stop your posts?

I would probably go down the route of 'I don't want constant negativity. There are enough problems in the world right now and I don't want to focus on big issues. I just want a peaceful life. Stop sending me your diatribes. If you have a problem with something or think something is wrong, go and get involved in doing something proactive. Get involved in politics. I'm just not interested in hearing about it and especially not day to day so please stop talking to me about politics. I am not interested.'

I like this one

Log off of WhatsApp?

Because someone cant stop sending their shite? Unfair on the op.

I would just tell her to stop or I block and if she sends another then do actually block. Anyone pushing political bullshit like this has no manners so fuck it if you block them and they take offence.

Bluntly tell them

Honestly, the standing back and doing nothing while being incredulous is why these views get traction. Call it out. Say that you absolutely disagree with her views and tell her you do not want to be associated with them. I’d block her on socials as well. If she asks say it’s because you wouldn’t want anyone to think that that you support those views.

one of our football apps was like this. I just put ‘please take your misogyny elsewhere’ it never happened again.

I apologise for the Karen. I wish I could claim it’s her name but it isn’t. I won’t use that again. It isn’t a term I’d ordinarily use but the circumstances were those of extreme exasperation. In the last two days she has sent me messages about the RNLI traitors, how we should be supporting Israel and how she’s on the side of Putin v Ukraine. She actually needs to be placed on the Prevent register. I have now blocked her.