Off-limit conversations?

In the past, it always seemed the conversations that would cause the most trouble were politically charged. And they still rank up there, but recently, there have been a couple of conversations that I have to stop as soon as they are started, just because of the passionate stances they invoke.

The two that come to mind right away are: Mike McQueary's culpability in the Jerry Sandusky situation; and Tim Tebow (the Tebow debate definitely is more recent).

Twice in the last three days Tebow's merits as a football player and NFL quarterback vs. college quarterback have been the the subject of very heated debates among the staff -- to the point where workflow is interrupted. And the conversation on Day 2 seemed to be identical to Day 1. It's gotten to the point where I have to pretty much outlaw Tebow talk in the sports department if any work is going to get done.

Just wondering if anyone else out there has taboo conversation topics (you know, aside from those that will get you called down to HR the next day).

 

Our sports team hasn't really talked about Tebow or anything, but it has certainly been funny to listen to one of the ladies on the copy desk -- who, fwiw, pretends to be a sports fan -- talk about it like she knows what the hell she's talking about.

 

She'd be a perfect fit here.

 

If newsroom people don't know how to debate things in civil terms, what are they doing working for freedom of speech? Debates should be an exchange of ideas and opinions, not insults and ridicule.

 

Fuck you, Raiders.

 

I'd kick your ass if I wasn't on deadline.

 

I think she could take you.

 

I would say if you're banging a co-worker's significant other, that might be off-limits.

 

We find it easier to keep political and religious conversations/debates to a minimum in the office.

 

We had to ban political talk, because there were very strident views at each end of the spectrum in our shop. Work would come to a crashing halt.