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In reply to the discussion: What I've learned about conservatives in the last few months [View all] I find ridicule to be very effective when confronting people face to face.
I don't believe that it is as effective as you think it is.
I suspect that it depends on what your goal is.
If your goal is to berate and belittle another human being, deservedly or not, then it is very effective.
If it is to educate or sway another's opinion, then I believe that you might be on the wrong track.
In fact, ridiculing someone with an opposing point of view is somewhat what the point of original poster of this thread is saying...iit likely causes the 'conservative' to hate...it creates more hate.
You cite that 'they' cannot be reasoned with, then the alternative is to perhaps plant a seed and walk away. Ridicule makes a person go deeper into the abyss.
Enlighten them.
I remember telling one coworker who was berating another about being a tree hugging liberal, that "all you conservative bastards are fucking Nazi's". The look of astonishment on his face was priceless, AND I have not heard him bring up any political views in over 9 months.
One good berating deserves another?
I beg you to reconsider your methods.
Offer little seeds of wisdom in a kind way and, maybe in 10 years, those seeds might take...
or maybe not, but at least there will not be additional hatred.
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It's the Democrats who have been given that label, though. Keep trying to work with the GOP beast,
freshwest
May 2012
#49
When you read the right message boards, race, hate and stupidity all are tied for #1.
sarcasmo
May 2012
#6
Unfortunately, what you say is the case. It may not have always been the case - at least not with
Douglas Carpenter
May 2012
#13
Yep.The plan they have is sold and bought by Republican leaders who then sells it to the T_Pty.
The Wielding Truth
May 2012
#44
Yep, some folks have simply swallowed the propaganda hook, line, and sinker
Martin Eden
May 2012
#23
I'm sure he is just as you say, but I'm just as sure that he is not representative
Egalitarian Thug
May 2012
#47
I try to remember that internet posters are not necessarily a representative sampling of
maggiesfarmer
May 2012
#18
Many voting conservatives are too dumb to know that they are actually liberals.
Gregorian
May 2012
#26
I know there are plenty of more damaging examples out there but I've seen it firsthand too.
pa28
May 2012
#74
The people at the top of the conservative movement really are that mean
Lydia Leftcoast
May 2012
#39
Succinct. I view them as the last refuge of primate behaviors learned ten million years ago.
byronius
May 2012
#82
They are true believers dedicated to their cause and Democrats are too F-ing nice to them
dinopipie
May 2012
#85