"...unless I'm debating someone, then being a smug, nasty asshole is actually a legit and a very effective, useful tactic."

  • Frank [he/him, he/him]
    ·
    7 months ago

    Word. I keep forgetting the precept that you're not arguing with the person you're arguing with, you're doing socratic dialogue at them for the benefit of your audience who maybe isn't an ideological poltics freak.

    • Sons_of_Ferrix
      hexagon
      ·
      7 months ago

      I would also point out, most of these debates happen is spaces where there probably aren't many neutral lurkers anyway, if lurkers at all. Everyone observing probably already has a side they strongly agree with and will always interpret whatever side they already supported as having won, or, if their side gets really owned, just say it was cuz of underhanded tactics.