Reply #393: People conflate things too.

[swimboy]

Thinking that Obama is a homophobe doesn't make you a racist.
and
Thinking he's not a homophobe doesn't make you a homophobe.

I fully expect to be exposed to people who think differently and hold different opinions. I hope my first response, especially on a LGBT topic, is to assume good intention and to try to explain why something may be offensive to me. It's up to the other person what happens next. If they assume hostile intent on my part, or I assume this on their part, things are likely to escalate.

The weirdest response though, is being told I shouldn't or can't possible be offended. I'm the only one who can know that and usually I can back it up with MY reasons. I try not to conflate other topics, but I will follow up with someone at times, more than is profitable.

I don't expect you to silence dissent, just markedly antagonistic behavior. I think we need to figure that out.

And having stuff simply vanish isn't always the best solution.

Similarly, putting someone on ignore is not the solution if you feel their statements deserve to be countered.

Thanks.