When discussing politics or society as a whole, people saying "you need to be realistic" has two meanings when you strip away everything else.

First, the poor, powerless, marginalized, ect mean it as "Don't get yourself killed."

Second, the wealthy, privileged, powerful ect mean it as "Don't make us kill you."

@Kalshann I found it can also mean „don’t threaten my complacency“ or „don’t make me aware of things that scare me“.

@orangelantern
Agreed, but that's the thing. For those with the privilege of complacency or ability to remain unaware - they'll kill you for threatening their place in the status quo.

Maybe not themselves, but make enough noise and they call the cops (who kill you). Vote for fascists (who kill you). Push for local ordinances and laws (that will kill you). Make economic decisions in board rooms (that will kill you). ect ect.