Do you feel that an individual is worthy of your scorn and derision,

simply for holding a different political ideology than you? Do you believe that your political position strengthened by bullying your opposition through ad hominem?

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BlueVeins · 22-25

Definitely depends on the dissenting view. Someone thinks the death penalty should be on the table for killers? We can live in harmony. Someone thinks the death penalty should be on the table for apostates? We've got a problem.

MildlyInappropriate · 56-60, M

Understood. Do you think your position would be strengthened by calling your debate opponent names, instead of engaging in a spirited debate on the merits from both sides? Assuming that the other debater is engaging in a good faith argument for their position, of course. @BlueVeins

BlueVeins · 22-25

@MildlyInappropriate In general, I keep debates (that I take seriously) as civil and fact-based as possible, because that's kind of my wheelhouse and I'm pretty sure it's most effective. But that's really more about strategy and advancement than what anyone 'deserves.' I will say, though, that it often becomes necessary to insult your opponent in bitter debates like these because it forces them to change certain attitudes and behaviors that they would otherwise be unwilling to abandon in the face of perfect reasoning.

MildlyInappropriate · 56-60, M

Agreed. I always WANT to take the high road and keep it civil, but sometimes, it just isn't possible in certain contexts. @BlueVeins