[Cali Panthers Fan]

Be gentle with the person who has a bad idea, but vigorously challenge the idea and explain the harm that comes with the bad idea. If need be, create a scenario where the person with the bad idea has to deal with the negative consequences of the bad idea and ask them if it maybe gives them pause. When people are forced to be empathic, rarely do they remain rigid and angry.

Don't name call.
Don't assume they're stupid.
Don't get angry.
Don't close your ears when you hear trigger words.

This is the method I use to at least have a dialogue with those I disagree with, and while it doesn't always change their mind, it does force them to consider and defend their position with a little more depth. Many times their position softens. Sometimes I actually change my position too when they make good points.

And don't worry about not being perfect. Our flaws also give us a unique perspective on the world that can sometimes be illuminating. Not everyone has to be an intellectual warrior, but if there's a topic you can speak intelligently about and don't have an issue doing so...go for it, just see my list above. The more discourse out there, the more people have to talk, think, and perhaps come to a consensus that is best for all. Anger and divisiveness rarely leads to a real discourse.



And when all that fails, let them do what they want to do and give them an "I told you so" after they wreck everything. Maybe the next time they'll listen, but I'm sure of one fact: human beings are doomed to repeat their mistakes.