I have, over the years, met some people who seemed to be fairly good despite having some vile, bigoted ideas about things. There were people I worked with who told racist jokes. While I'd call them on it now, back then, I just walked away. There was the time in the early 90s some of us from work were setting up training and stopped at one of our member's parents' place. Somewhat heated argument ensued because I was working in public health, and the guy's parents were of the opinion that HIV/AIDS was sent from God to punish the guilty. I eventually just walked away.

I'm betting people on the wrong side of both of these issues eventually saw the light, but I'd also bet it had nothing to do with being yelled at and called names.

That bullying type of behavior usually pushes people into defending their position more furiously. It doesn't inspire to think, or to consider any other point of view.

What some people call "debate" here seems to be aimed at keeping people in their designated positions on their designated sides in order to keep the fighting going on.

If you want something else to happen, you have to know that sometimes smart people have stupid ideas, good people have bad ideas, and unless you force them into a corner and trap them there, people are capable of finding their way to better places.

And don't think that anyone's stupid enough to believe you're 'debating' when you stop talking about issues and focus on the people you're fighting with. THAT is what happens when you get frustrated.