When it comes to correcting the beliefs of the speaker, this is where only personal relationships can work, I think. Someone who can apply gentle but consistent pressure over a long time, and who can ask difficult questions without raising a defensive reaction that just overwhelms them.
When it comes to winning the culture war, though, the debate isn't about the speaker - it's about the ones listening to the debate. In the midst of nonsense word salad that feels good, certainly, to nod along to and be a part of the 'in' crowd, true reason, logic, and grounded evidence jumps out and makes itself unavoidable. You win the fight over the minds spectating. Doesn't matter if you can get the one you're arguing with to even listen to you. If they go broadly unchallenged, though. the world starts to look like their perspective is the only valid one, and that gets dangerous.
Sep 21, 2023
at
7:07 PM
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