Article about petty in-fighting | Forum

I mean for the actual ones, not those susceptible to trendy fads and keeping lockstep with others.

Yet another PC bullshit article about how we all should hold hands together.

Something about empathy and mutual understanding: We are governed more by our emotions than reason. If some people don't like you, then they will NOT understand you no matter how well reasoned your arguments are. Even if you write pages explaining your perspective, they will still consider you an idiot. That's because you've already been blacklisted. The first impression counts the most.

Something about those "petty" arguments: People who suck at debating and can't defend their position with proper arguments often downplay debates in general, saying they are childish dick contests and that we should all cherish different perspectives no matter how silly and nonsensical they seem to be. Usually the demands of open mindedness are accompanied with the great deal of butthurt. Respect me. Understand me or I will leave or, at least, call you intolerant. It's as if a boxer entered the ring and said to his opponent: Man, why are you hitting me? Stop hating on me.

The debate is an intellectual exercise. Its aim is not making your opponent understand you or convincing him you're right. The aim is to strike down his arguments with your better counter arguments. That requires some effort. The debate is an intellectual battle, sometimes it's a psychological warfare, involving manipulation and provocation.  It might look like a flame war to bystanders but nobody puts a gun to your head forcing you to participate.

perspective.