> traditional cultural strictures against talking about money, politics, and religion
That is not a particularly widespread tradition globally or historically. And I personally think everyone should be incredibly skeptical of it.
I've never met anyone with power who followed this tradition, and plenty who are kept powerless by the always-one-sided application of these traditions.
These subjects are difficult to discuss because they are important, I find it far easier to believe that this toxicity comes from default of not talking to your family/friends/community about some of most important aspects of your life.
Another view might be that it's impolite or rude to bring it up.
Consider that other people might not want to talk about these things, and by bringing them up yourself, you're prompting others to share their own opinions, which they may not (for whatever reason) feel comfortable sharing.
There's also the reality that many of these conversations just aren't productive. Best-case scenario, one person talks, the other talks, maybe they learn a little about each other, or their mutual empathy is enhanced. But a lot of times, it seems like two otherwise civil people find out things about each other that actually degrades their relationship. "Too much information" is real and at 34, I've learned there are some questions that just aren't going to lead to a productive conversation, on balance.
The unproductive version is a big problem, precisely because people don't have the social skills to navigate it because it is so often taboo. So the options are to make it taboo or to adapt.
"don't speak about these important things, we don't have the EQ to handle this conversation" is a strong pro-status quo political stance to take and couching it in apolitical terms is dishonest.
That is not a particularly widespread tradition globally or historically. And I personally think everyone should be incredibly skeptical of it.
I've never met anyone with power who followed this tradition, and plenty who are kept powerless by the always-one-sided application of these traditions.
These subjects are difficult to discuss because they are important, I find it far easier to believe that this toxicity comes from default of not talking to your family/friends/community about some of most important aspects of your life.