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Bernardo de La Paz

(48,788 posts)
14. Yes. Look to all the dynamics that cause it, which boil down to personalizing
Thu Nov 28, 2019, 11:35 AM
Nov 2019

... personalizing the argument. "Only a fool would believe tRump on Deep State." "So, you are calling me a fool?" "I dunno, some kinda nut to take him seriously." Even shouting at the opponent to intimidate them is personalizing the argument.

There are many logical arguments against bigotry.

Anytime the argument veers to illogic, point it out. When they attack Vindman for his origins, point out it is an ad hominen attack. Call it that. Explain the concept if necessary. Show how it applies. Then point out how they aren't able to defeat the message so they attack the messenger.

At some point, the "family member" will cross over into a personal attack. That is when to look around the whole table asking "Can we all agree to not make personal attacks?" If we can't discuss politics without making it personal, then we can't discuss politics at the family table.

Arm yourself to recognize fallacies.
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments
Be scrupulous about not making it personal.
Call it out and get support when they make it personal.
If they instead have the support of the family, then leave the table and go home.

Put aside the angry rhetoric snowybirdie Nov 2019 #1
Honest conversations don't have to involve angry rhetoric StarfishSaver Nov 2019 #10
Yes. Look to all the dynamics that cause it, which boil down to personalizing Bernardo de La Paz Nov 2019 #14
It'd just be nice if angry rhetoric wasn't the only thing that could take a day off ck4829 Nov 2019 #15
No need. One thing I can actually thank Donald Trump for, Amimnoch Nov 2019 #2
Sadly this is more true than I want it to be Arthur_Frain Nov 2019 #11
++ good on teen vogue. Maybe the younger white generation will see the folly of sitting silent as lunasun Nov 2019 #3
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke dustyscamp Nov 2019 #4
I give thanks ... GeorgeGist Nov 2019 #5
well it probably won't happen at our family gathering yellowdogintexas Nov 2019 #7
Sage advice RichardRay Nov 2019 #6
So happy DownriverDem Nov 2019 #8
You can get your point across with few safeinOhio Nov 2019 #9
I like those dustyscamp Nov 2019 #17
My solution do not invite Aunt Susan. gordianot Nov 2019 #12
Agreed. I've spent my life trying to get RW relatives to see reason on countless issues. Dark n Stormy Knight Nov 2019 #19
It is hard at first but Trumpism makes it a lot easier. gordianot Nov 2019 #20
Recommended. H2O Man Nov 2019 #13
Just do what I do... LeftofObama Nov 2019 #16
Teen Vogue is a great source of advice. Imma start some shit at dinner. Bonx Nov 2019 #18
Having been a 14 yr old girl with PMS irisblue Nov 2019 #21
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