Taboo Topics

In the United States there are plenty of social issues that people get quite heated about, and have endless debates on- some of which leaves the rest of the world scratching their head on. Here are some examples of heavy topics that in either the States or Australia are considered dinner-table taboos.

Religion- In the U.S. this is supposedly a big deal! What religious affiliation you have seems to automatically slip you into a category and fascinates the media. Don't believe me? Look at all the attention that has been paid to the various associations different prospective Republican Presidential Nominees. For example the idea that Mitt Romney missed out in 08 because he is Mormon? or people concerned about the views of a pastor at a church the President Obama used to attend?
It is difficult to identify if either Australians don't have this situation because of A) they feel their communities are pretty homogenous in spirituality B) they don't feel like spirituality interferes with politics or C) its not that serious of a topic- really- No worries' mate!

Evolution- Dare mention evolution in the States and you get into a can of worms from the Scopes Monkey Trial to Creationism to Intelligent Design. In Australia, evolution is a given and a standard part of biology education.

Climate Change- Is it real? Is it a fabrication of arguing scientists? Is it human caused or completely natural?- No. In Australia there is no debate. Scientists here observing everything from extreme droughts & fires, coral bleaching, and the rise of tropical diseases have come to the conclusions: The climate is changing. Humans play a role. And its called Global Warming by the way.

Homosexuality- In the States this is hotly debated, mostly by those who want to debate what the definition of marriage is. Acceptance of a person's sexuality-no matter the orientation is on the rise every year. Six states and D.C. allow same-sex marriage, and five additional states have civil union legislation giving partners legal rights.
In Australia the topic is taboo. It is something never considered or talked about. (Unless brought up by curious, nosy, international students wanting to hear an opinion)

Politics- There is no tea-party but with the adds, roadsigns, debates, and passionate followers- heck it could be the states. Though not as much crying or petty whining after the election is over though, but that might just be my personal take on things.