I remember a few instances where someone I was talking with copped a patronizing or condescending attitude toward me or my arguments, and while, yes, it pissed me off at the time, I also left the conversation dead set on looking up whatever I had to to prove this person wrong and shove their condescension in their face. Sometimes it would work, other times I would find out that I was wrong.
I think using this kind of approach can be difficult as using it effectively, or having the intended effect on the other person, has a lot to do with their personality and whether it will shut them off from the conversation or piss them off so much it'll spur them into research. So it's a "know your audience" type thing, I think. Use this tactic sparingly and judiciously.
I think using this kind of approach can be difficult as using it effectively, or having the intended effect on the other person, has a lot to do with their personality and whether it will shut them off from the conversation or piss them off so much it'll spur them into research. So it's a "know your audience" type thing, I think. Use this tactic sparingly and judiciously.
Teenaged X-Files obsession + Bermuda Triangle episode + Self-led school research project = Atheist.
