Unpopular opinion. Calling people you disagree with "nazis" just pushes them further into their existing beliefs.

I think I get what you’re saying, but my question is, does it really matter anyway? As other commenters have expressed, is there really anything you can say to a fascist that has a snowball’s chance in hades of changing his mind or causing him to realize that he’s being a fascist? I’ve argued with what I believe to be today’s fascists, Trump supporters and MAGA types on here and on Facebook. I have no shared reality with them. They think my facts are lies and vice versa I think their facts are lies. And of course I’ve read enough to know that one of the last things the human mind ever wants to do is admit it’s been duped. MAGA is their identity, and they will protect and defend it at almost any cost. And I feel like that’s just the tip of the psychological iceberg. What can you do?

It occurs to me, as other commenters here have pointed out, that calling them fascists is not for their sake, rather it’s intended for anyone on the fence who may be observing the conversation. Then again, I guess it’s still helpful to walk the fence-riders through the steps that led you to the conclusion that you’re talking to a fascist.

I feel like this is an abrupt ending and my comment here may be incomplete, but I have to go now.

I completely disagree. Trying to prove to fascists why they’re fascists leads nowhere 99% of the time (if not more). These are people who are so completely propagandized and brainwashed that nothing you could do or say will change their minds. This thinking is imbedded into their being. These are people who believe socialism and communism is the worst outcome possible because someone like Hitler used the term “socialism”, and fascists are too dense to see through the manipulative tactics.

Also, it is not my responsibility to educate people. Majority of us have a plethora of information at our fingertips. It’s not our duty to constantly present facts to people who outright refuse to believe them. This is the same thing with zionists. This is why reading is so important.

And, honestly, I couldn’t care less if a nazi or a Zionist or a fascist thinks I’m crazy.

I'm finding the ones calling someone Nazi is actually the one deserving of the title

If they act like nazis then there is no redemption for them anyway. I don’t see a down side.

This is interesting and all but I do not care what a fascist thinks of me.

Calling something by its name is important.

Coddling them is not the point.

I think you're right, may be not for everyone but certainly many.

Unless the one criticised actually IS a National Socialist sympathiser, it is no more than a nasty insult in extremely poor taste, likely to entrench the victim further as you suggest.

BUT......

It and similar insults frequently have nothing to do with the argument. They are just sneering at someone for holding a different opinion; often not even a criticism of the opinion itself..

Using such insults makes the attacker no better than what he or she accuses the opponent of.

It shows not only intolerance, but also inability or refusal to comprehend the other's view, and to discuss anything in a civil manner.

Okay how does one do so without them just going all special snowflake and screaming regurge talking points?