Reply #112: But don't you think it happens on both sides?

[LeftishBrit]

I think it's based a tendency to assume that people who are on the other 'side' will hold *all* the views that you associate, rightly or wrongly, with that side. Sometimes pro-Israel posters assume that pro-Palestinian posters must accept terrorist actions and targeting of civilians and want Israel to be 'wiped off the map'. And sometimes pro-Palestinian posters assume that pro-Israel posters must support the occupation, favour the Likud, and want a war with Iran.

I was once accused on another forum on DU of 'supporting a war based on lies' because I argued that Israel wasn't responsible for the Iraq war!

For the rest, I think some people have a debating style which does involve demanding that your opponent justify their views. Some people enjoy this and find it educational; some find it intimidating. Again, I don't think it's just on one side here.