Why do some people hide their political views on Facebook?

[hissingelbow576]

Maybe for the same reason some people hide their religion (or lack of) on Facebook: intolerance. I actually had a relative threaten to unfriend anyone he caught posting anything which he felt made fun of Jesus or xtianity. I'm an atheist and while I have, only once or twice, posted something mildly critical of some glaringly obvious absurdity of religion (nothing vicious--believe me, I've seen vicious), and I've made posts in support of gay marriage, I have not directly made fun of Jesus or xtianity; I have far too many xtian friends & relatives to partake of that freedom. Still, apparently some peoples' faith is so weak that even the mildest joke or criticism is seen as a threat, so now I curb my religious postings...even more.

Those who hide their political views may likewise figure that the ill will and possible loss of friends isn't worth the freedom to express their political views. A shame, really, especially when one remembers that the internet is supposed to be this bastion of free speech.