Don't Talk to Neighbors

So I’m in training today, and some how we got on this “get to know your neighbor” sidebar. We were each to ask a pretty basic question for everyone to answer. Some of the questions were; where would you go if you could go any place, what’s your dream job and what’s your favorite meal.

My turn came around, and I was pretty sure of at least some of the answers. I asked if you could meet anyone from history, who would it be. Without fail, half of the class answered Jesus or some other religious figure. I’m not upset by their answers; I’m never upset when I’m proven right. But I still question why they would answer that way at the work place. They say to avoid talking religion and politics at work. Who “they” are, I’m not real sure but this is one of the few times I disagree with “them.”

Not because I think it’s in poor taste though. I love talking religion and politics. But at work, I know I have to censor myself. I hate censoring myself. I ask a simple question about a historical figure, and when someone answers Jesus, I can’t say, “no, I meant people that we know really walked the earth.” Nor can I say, “you sure you can handle that kind of disappointment? This is a once in a life time event, and you want to meet a carpenter from 2000 years ago?”

But a co-worker doesn’t need to know what I believe about religion or politics. Just as I would jump to conclusions about someone whose beliefs differ from mine, they would assume things about me. Some of which may be correct assumptions, that are still better off remaining unknown. The strangest thing, for me anyway, is how many people I’ve seen that openly discuss religion and even bring bibles to work or include scripture quotes in their e-mail signatures. It’s actually pretty scary to be honest. Not just because I’m Jewish but, not completely separate of that fact either.

Now here’s one of my favorite questions. You’re having a dinner party, in my case this may consist of ordering a few pizzas. You can, and must invite 9 people. They can be either: dead or alive, famous or infamous, a personal friend or a celebrity. With any mix you like.

So I’d order some pies and have my old friend Brendan, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Deniro, Tupac, Jackie Robinson, Frank Sinatra, Dwight Gooden, Chuck Klosterman, and The Sports Guy.