DO NOT let this "person" keep constantly changing the subject. If the subject is about abortion, don't let them chase you into another subject like gay rights. They usually do this by saying "Well, what about this, or what about that." That's called "whataboutism" and this is a tactic they LOVE because it gets you confused and it makes them seem like they know a lot about various subjects. STAY FOCUSED on the main subject or question first presented, and if they try to deviate, remind them and immediately head back to it, don't let them distract you with a bunch of false narratives.
DO NOT let them get you riled up or sputtering if you don't know the answer to one of their questions. If you don't know the answer to something just say "I don't know enough about that subject to make any kind of argument either for or against it, so I'll have to get back to you on that one. Let's head on to something we can both speak about." Don't let them belittle you for not knowing a subject, not everyone knows everything and it's okay to admit you don't know enough to discuss it.
DO NOT let them start using personal attacks like "Oh well you're just a straight white male Christian, what do YOU know about oppression?" Respond with: "Okay, I can have an opinion despite your character attacks against me. Have I said anything defamatory about YOU during this conversation? So why are you attacking me? I've been polite this whole time, but now since you seem like you're losing the debate you instantly start attacking me. That's not very tolerant of you, is it?" This will either make them stop or it will make them double-down so be careful with this one.
Remain calm and collected as much as possible. If you feel your emotions start to rise, take 3-5 seconds to pause and breathe and collect your arguments and then continue. If you don't make it too obvious chances are they won't notice. If they start throwing insults or getting agitated and you remain calm it will be clear to the audience who is the most in control here. And that's the key: you're not debating to convince the other person of your opinion, you're debating to convince the audience. But getting the person to understand some things is always a good thing too.
"Oh well you're just a straight white male Christian, what do YOU know about oppression?"
Well, for starters, I can't even state factual evidence without being dismissed due to my race and religion. Considering the same people who attack me for the circumstances of my birth would bend over backwards not to offend an Asian vegan Muslim, it's quite surprising to then hear them speak about "my privilege" when they can't even take me seriously due to the social constructs they keep rambling about and giving power to.
DO NOT let this "person" keep constantly changing the subject. If the subject is about abortion, don't let them chase you into another subject like gay rights. They usually do this by saying "Well, what about this, or what about that." That's called "whataboutism" and this is a tactic they LOVE because it gets you confused and it makes them seem like they know a lot about various subjects. STAY FOCUSED on the main subject or question first presented, and if they try to deviate, remind them and immediately head back to it, don't let them distract you with a bunch of false narratives.
DO NOT let them get you riled up or sputtering if you don't know the answer to one of their questions. If you don't know the answer to something just say "I don't know enough about that subject to make any kind of argument either for or against it, so I'll have to get back to you on that one. Let's head on to something we can both speak about." Don't let them belittle you for not knowing a subject, not everyone knows everything and it's okay to admit you don't know enough to discuss it.
DO NOT let them start using personal attacks like "Oh well you're just a straight white male Christian, what do YOU know about oppression?" Respond with: "Okay, I can have an opinion despite your character attacks against me. Have I said anything defamatory about YOU during this conversation? So why are you attacking me? I've been polite this whole time, but now since you seem like you're losing the debate you instantly start attacking me. That's not very tolerant of you, is it?" This will either make them stop or it will make them double-down so be careful with this one.
Remain calm and collected as much as possible. If you feel your emotions start to rise, take 3-5 seconds to pause and breathe and collect your arguments and then continue. If you don't make it too obvious chances are they won't notice. If they start throwing insults or getting agitated and you remain calm it will be clear to the audience who is the most in control here. And that's the key: you're not debating to convince the other person of your opinion, you're debating to convince the audience. But getting the person to understand some things is always a good thing too.
Good luck.
Well, for starters, I can't even state factual evidence without being dismissed due to my race and religion. Considering the same people who attack me for the circumstances of my birth would bend over backwards not to offend an Asian vegan Muslim, it's quite surprising to then hear them speak about "my privilege" when they can't even take me seriously due to the social constructs they keep rambling about and giving power to.