I agree for the most part, but the fact stands that if people say incorrect stuff, myself and others are going to call them on it. Especially when it comes to issues we're passionate about.
It doesn't take much to think about what you've typed up or do some basic research if you want to contribute meaningfully to a conversation on a sensitive topic.
I think the point is more that if we're passionate about certain issues and want that passion to spread to others, we should be open minded and also realize that there are going to be
many people who don't do their due diligence.
Some folks may not think about what they wrote and may be rude. But the problem then becomes that they don't
realize they're being rude, and then somebody out of nowhere comes in and says, "Heyscrewyouarseholedon'tsayanythingaboutstuffyoudon'tknowabout", thus not actually solving the problem of them not having an education, and therefore not actually sharing the passion, but legitimately defusing any hope that person had.
It's not about being right, but about showing
why people might have a misguided opinion.
I know it's harder than it sounds, but I deal with teenagers. Teenagers think they know a lot of stuff, even the smart ones. It's amazing what can happen when you take the time and patience to broaden their horizons. It's my opinion anyway that being a digital citizen is the same as being a global citizen, and if not for the individual who says the ignorant comment, then for the people who might stand to benefit from a changed opinion (the people such a comment could harm) it's worth the extra minute to share a link with the person and educate them.
Think of it this way. If somebody says something that isn't entirely correct or is rude, being rude to them doesn't solve the problem at all. Twitter has become a relatively toxic platform because of that. Just share what you know...it'll make you look smarter too!
But if you show them the stuff and they're still the worst...well, screw em.