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I have only the most minor of quibbles, so I'll use them to highlight some of my own "fighting" techniques:
1. CG is still using the mindset of arguing facts with RadCons. It's much more effective to argue the central point first, and proceed directly to accusations, harassing questions, and personal quasi-attacks. Usually you won't need to go to a second point.
Rightists control your response by forcing you to answer dumb-ass questions. Address a lie immediately, then use it as a springboard to making the Rightist dance to your tune.
Save the statistical proof for the intelligent, the undecided, and the objective.
2. The Conservative Dandy identification strategy: CG misses the opportunity to slam the letter writer in question for his dandified use of the language. I call these haughty prancers "Conservative Dandies". In most people's minds, dandification is "gay". Since Conservative Dandies are so sensitive about their sexuality, CG could easily upset about 75% of right-wing "pundits" simply by calling them on their dandy manners. Once upset, the pundit will not be able to fight as effectively. Like the old saying goes, "Fire in the Head, Brains in the Ass."
Although I am myself uncomfortable with "playing the Fag card", it is devastatingly effective with conservatives, even gay conservatives. Do NOT use homophobia to play it -- simply pointing it out in a non-attacking context is enough achieve the desired result. Using the text as a surrogate for the author -- calling the rhetoric "fay", for instance -- is unmistakable but does not allow the Conservative Dandy the ironic pleasure of calling you a Homophobe (without risking further serious attacks). If he's not on to how you are pulling his chain, he will probably try to assert his Superior Manliness within a few sentences.
3. Avoid the obvious insults in your emotion-striking retorts. They don't work, and will usually cause a Conservative Dandy to think that you've "blundered into their oh-so-cleverly laid trap." Instead, subtly imply that they do not read much, that they are un-hip, that they are young, or that they -- in some way -- are clueless about real life in ways that even most children are aware.
The Conservative Dandy has a very strong self-concept that he's wise beyond his years, has a "rapier wit", and that his intelligence is of the highest water. In the words of Nanker Felge, he thinks he's "A Man of Wealth and Taste" because deep down, he fears he's an idiot. Play into that fear, and make his attempts at "artful verbal battle" into a nightmare of self-loathing.
The High Road approach does not work with Conservative Dandies. Their modus operandi is dominance-and-submission by ASCII text. Assume the position of the "Top" and cut yourself some fresh new switches. All encounters with the Conservative Dandy will either take place in public, or be made public -- you're performing for the Peanut Gallery. Make sure the "amusing public humiliation" is one YOU inflict on the Conservative Dandy.
4. You really do need to inflict maximum pain in minimum time. Conservative Dandies have massive egos and nurse their grudges for years. Smack the prancer down hard, then move on -- claim that you have to meet a client and can't be bogged down arguing with Little Lord Fauntleroy all day.
PS -- This ain't nothin' new. How do you think I got my nickname, anyway? Around 1980, the Radical Right sent a bunch of "shock troops" into the community colleges, including mine. Conservative Dandies are even more ridiculous in real life than on-line.
Fight back. Fight hard. Fight happy.
--bkl
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