Strangely enough I've been wondering recently why it is that some seem to think getting nasty and aggressive with others will convert them to their own point of view. I don't mind a debate, if it's a debate where both parties are willing to keep an open mind and hear each other out. I'm open to having my mind changed on something if someone can give me good reason to. If they can't, then getting more forceful isn't really going to help, but rather make me more firm.
I don't see being opinionated as a bad thing, unless that leads to them not allowing others to have opinions that differ.
Respectful discourse is suitable indeed; it's when people get nasty and refuse to concede others' point of view when I shut off. I'm not one to like drama and it seems a waste of my time debating with a person who is closed off and ignorant of anything but their own perspective.
It seems there's more and more of those sorts now.
There does seem to be more of them. I wonder what's creating that. Maybe the online echo chambers help them to feel more justified or just generally more brainwashed.
As someone one said, opinions are like bottoms, everybody has one. Doesn't mean we should all have the same one. 😉
I think the rise of social media is largely to blame. It's not all bad, but it's far from all good. I was talking to someone yesterday who cancelled her FB account not so long ago and felt so good about it, refreshed and positive. More should turn off.