Getting through a dinner back home while being "left of center"

At 23, after a year of law school, and four years of Ethnic Studies at Cal... I would have hoped that I would have gotten used to the....multiple perspectives present at our extended family dinner tables. Unfortunately, Im not as quick a learner as Id like to be.
This begs the question.. how does a person like me, "slightly" left of center (i guess) survive a dinner with X number of right of center folks? Should one keep quiet? Ignore the many expressions of covert(or overt) racism? OR... does one interject and try to "fix" the misconceptions running rampant at the table?

Firstly, I dont know many folks left of center that can idly sit by and listen to right of center commentary without some sort of comment. Secondly, if (when) you do interject be prepared for stares if your lucky, yelling if you arent.


Well--- today I sat across from someone who complained re: a trip to Jamaica because its just too underdeveloped and poor. Hmm... well perhaps if less damage was done by tourism and free trade zones, it would have been more developed for your vacationing pleasure.
The notion of how privileged this woman was for being able to vacation at all, never crossed her mind.*
*I should add in a DISCLAIMER: maybe she does recognize her privilege (doubt it) and Im just being just being judgmental (doubt it ;-) )

Although such dinners may be quiet painful, few other things work better to sharpen ones advocacy and debate skills.

Admittedly, nowadays I spend most dinners trying to steer the conversation away from anything that will lead to a migraine. But, thanks to my incredibly brilliant slightly (barely?) right of center, brother in law Ive learned the benefit of calm conversations with people whom you disagree with. After all, it is important to know your "enemy"

Conclusion? Its complicated
Advice? Respect the fact that the other side is just as passionate about their views as you are about yours. Avoid repeating the same fight over and over again with your family BUT--dont be afraid to articulate an argument if others at the table start proselytizing. ... we've all been there and will undoubtedly be there again.