>Question of tactics, really. When faced with a pernicious
>idea/opinion/what-have-you, do you repudiate it loud and clear, or do
>you ignore it and hope it withers away? Do you vary your responses
>depending on the situation?

It really does depend on the situation. When I find myself with a particularly hateful idea that strikes me as incredibly spurious and a severe perversion (such as this), I just ignore it, since I know that such people tend to wear themselves out, and the worst thing you can do is give them attention.

When it's dealing with something that can be rationally discussed, with reasonable people, I'm more likely to engage in a discussion. I try not to take anything personally, and the tactics I've come to arrive at are to say my piece and then only continue if I feel further clarification/extension is mandated, or if I'm asked a direct question. I don't like repeating myself, and I know how ineffective simply browbeating someone with my opinions can be, especially when dealing with someone as opinionated as myself. (I do allow, though, that my opinions can change, and, indeed, that they have changed, or, at least, grown more complex.)

>I don't know if there is a right answer, much less what it may
>be.

There's never a right answer. What is right depends on the situation.

-- Sean --

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