Originally Posted by
leftWNYbecauseofBS
Here is the problem with that. Where does it end?
Honestly, how different is it in calling someone ignorant and calling someone an idiot? I actually see a difference in the two as ignorance is something that can be corrected while being an idiot is typically something that can't. Even in the differences they are both reasonable observations and people have complained about the use of both as name calling.
There are both ignorant people and idiots in any community. I think failure to acknowledge this reality is harmful. Especially against a troll, who by definition, is not open to dialog over specific statements but rather just wants to litter conversations with random and unsubstantiated comments to insight frustration in those who are trying to have a discourse.
Going further, I think there is an unwritten expectation in online communities that it's 100% valid to have an opinion but you are going to need to back up your opinion at some point. Personally, I think unsubstantiated opinions are more detrimental to a community that discusses topical issues like politics than any type of perception to the tonality a community takes in having those conversations.
But that's just me.