With family, relationships are important. Within politics, power is important. If you talk politics with family, you risk using power wielding language in a relationship environment.
If you want to talk social issues during visits with family, I suggest making it personal, and not about being right. (Sounds counter-intuitive but follow me for a moment.) Don't wield facts like weapons. Leave out the speeches about history. I believe there are no facts that will change an angry uncle's mind. An experience with a compassionate, truth speaking, nephew/niece or brother/sister might though.
If addressing social issues with family, it can be contentious.
1) Start by asking yourself, "Can I hear this person's point-of-view, even if it's wrong, or insulting?" If the answer is no, you'd be better to simply ask the person to stop talking about the issue because you would prefer not to talk about it out of disagreement.
2) If you can, then ask, "What is it about (mentioned issue or issue you want to raise) that concerns you?"
3) Where you are able - and try to - respond with, "I can see how you could see it that way though I see it differently."
4) Follow up with, "Why is that so meaningful to you personally?"
5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you learn something about the other person, NOT the issue.
6) Ask if they would be open to hear your concern, and how it's meaningful to you. If not, then return to #2 or #4 when fitting.
7) Know your limits. If you are feeling upset or angry, inform the other that they are saying things that bother you and that you need to leave, or observe #1.
8) Own your thoughts and feelings. If a family member tells you what you think, what you feel, or what your opinion is, please tell them not to tell you what your thoughts, feelings, and opinions are. Then go back to #4 or #7.
You'll know how well you do by the number of new things you learn about the family member you're talking to.
Remember, experiences lead us to the beliefs and opinions we hold. Hopefully you will learn about theirs. Even better, you'll give them an experience of empathetic listening from a different point of view, and that could start to soften their own views more effectively than shouted facts or soap box speeches.
Above all, do not accept abusive treatment. Walk away when you need to. Offer some compassion but speak the truth. Don't be afraid to say what you know, but forcing it on family can be its own violence.
