Why do humans in modern society shy from controversy?

I don't they're so much as afraid as more private with their beliefs; a lot of people get really into arguing politics and religion and it's just not worth it. Unless you have facts to back up your opinion (which most people usually don't), it's pretty pointless "discussing" touchy subjects like religion or politics because people are SO set in their ways and SO opinionated and these "discussions" just never end up with agreement. It's the "agree to disagree" scenario. I'm one of these people. "Debates" about religion or politics usually cause hard feelings between people because no one wants to be open-minded; they just want to push their opinions on others. And when someone STARTS a discussion about politics, unless it's truly open-ended and TRULY "moderate", the person who starts the discussion usually has an AGENDA and is looking for an argument. That's at least something I've noticed on MyLot as well as in life..Don't mix politics/religion with work, friends, or any other aspect of your life! It's all fine and well to have opinions, and to friendly discuss them with others - but most people are so convinced of their own ideas that they can't just stop at "friendly discussing".