How likely are you to defend yourself or others?

[Kuebiko]

I'm not proud of it, but generally I don't.

I like to back up my arguments with proper facts and logic, except that in the heat of an argument, such information rarely comes to my poor, introverted mind. Usually this results in my view not getting across, and the other person probably leaving more confused or with an even worse idea about the thing I was supposed to be defending or just plain offended.

So, no. It's a bad idea.

That being said, I do often like to correct people about misconceptions. I cannot and will not stand misconceptions, unless it's not really a misconception but a matter of perspective. I tend to argue a lot more when I'm able to type (but still not a lot), because then I can rephrase and rephrase my arguments, structure them in the most convincing way and double-check my facts. I aim to present my perspective in a consistent, coherent and objective manner, which is much easier on text than face to face.

[Push Pop the Wolfdog]

As for defending myself I'd probably just get really mad at them. If it was IRL and turned physical I'd fight back.

Now, defending others? Well I have a friend who's demisexual. You mess with her? One word: RUN.

[Midnight Star]

If someone made a comment like that to me concerning faith, race, or sexuality, I would simply disagree with them. I wouldn't entertain their argument though. I've had that happen and mainly more due to my lack of faith rather than my asexuality. Most christians, to their credit, don't really press the issue a whole lot. But when I meet one that does, I simply walk away. I would have the same reaction if the comment was about race sexuality too.

[RK800]

I'll defend myself and 'my people' on an intellectual and/or physical level when need be. However when it comes to verbal and/or written, one on one arguments that are going nowhere I tend to just walk away because it is often a waste of my time.

[Skipper Valvoline]

Well, I certainly love a good debate, but I guess that's separate from an actual argument.

I'm more than happy to correct someone (I despise incorrect information) and if they're actively targeting a person based off of [insert prejudice here] then I'll step in and put a stop to it. But if someone just makes an offhand comment that could be construed as something-phobic and I know they know how all that stuff works... I'll leave it be. Like it or not, everyone's got an opinion and sometimes that opinion doesn't agree with the mainstream. I'm not going to bash them over the head with the Hammer of Tolerance just because they made a gay or ace joke.

[Custos]

If someone is being explicitly discriminatory, I will say something against it. I feel I have good enough knowledge to explain the situation of races and sexualities which has led to the stigma some of them have today. It is rare that people will agree with me and even less likely they won't argue with me. But so long as they know my stand as do people around the situation, I'm happy. We need to teach society or else ignorance is just going to be our downfall.

[Lord of the nerds]

All very interesting view points, I wish I had some of the patience some of you have.

For those of you who do argue with someone, how successful are you usually? Do you have any good stories regarding times you left someone intolerant without words?