Someone Is Wrong on the Internet

via xkcd

I engage in discussion in a lot of places online. I routinely comment on articles at The Huffington Post (which is full of idiots, mostly sexist idiots), I comment on Jezebel (which is mostly full of very liberal feminists with whom I agree only half the time), I comment on XO Jane (which seems to include more level-headed feminists and less vitriol), I comment at The Atlantic (hit or miss on idiocy, with its fair share of misogynists), and I comment on other blog posts/articles/etc. that are linked to me, especially if it's an excuse to leave a link to my blog in a comment.

But sometimes, I have to stop. Sometimes I am filled with rage over the evil, misogynist, stupid things I read, and then I have to decide if it's worth my time to reply or not. Sometimes I'm able to write a calm, logical reply as to how the stupid person is wrong.

And sometimes, I have to let it go.

Sometimes, I choose to focus on my own writing instead of correcting others.

Sometimes, I choose to engage in more interesting, thoughtful, respectful debates.

Sometimes, I allow my friends to back me up, instead of continuing to argue my point.

Sometimes, I choose to close my laptop and snuggle with Beau.

Is it ever hard for you to leave a debate?