How to Deal With a Pacifist

In these politically charged times there is a great deal of disagreement about national policy overseas. As a result, many people find themselves having to encounter ideologies that fail to meet their own point of view. Many groups have adopted a pacifist belief system, so it's important to understand how to deal with a pacifist if you enter into a heated debate.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Talk to the pacifist with respect and listen to their point of view calmly and reasonably. You need to tolerate a position that differs from yours if you hope to have a fair and open discussion.
2. Respond to the point of view the pacifist espouses with a clear explanation of your diverging opinion. This is a chance to demonstrate a contextually appropriate understanding of the subject so that you can deal with the finer points as it becomes necessary.
3. Remember to wait your turn to speak when trying to deal with a pacifist. Though it may be tempting to interrupt someone when you have a point you'd like to make, tolerate the speaker's possible longwinded nature.
4. Keep in mind that any debate you have is merely to function as an exchange of ideas. You cannot convert and pacifist and they will not be able to convert you; you need to be okay with that.
5. Consider the pacifist's point of view and see if there are any parts of it you can agree with so you can build some sort of consensus about the issue. While you don't have to agree on everything, a partial understanding might go a long way in keeping the discussion civil.
6. Leave yourself open to the possibility of future debates. If you demonstrate you can tolerate a differing viewpoint, people will be more likely to engage you in controversial yet stimulating debate.