[Hyp3rion]

> I am a big fan of using contentious terms but then in close proximity expressing views slightly incongruent or even outright contradictory to those held by a stereotypical member of one of the term-using group

If done well it can induce some cognitive dissonance in the reader and really make them question their positions. It's also a good way to weed out people who you couldn't have a conversation with in the first place. IE: if someone will reject your entire point because you use the phrase 'intersectional' while making an argument, then chances are they're more emotionally invested than intellectually invested in the ideas. At which point you're working with an ideologically driven reader. They tend to be more unwilling to reconsider positions.

[Dracophoenix]

Not every position needs to be reconsidered. There are positions that stand up to scrutiny and there those that don't. At some point, one reaches a conclusion. The goal of debate shouldn't be endless conversation. It's to arrive at a common understanding (ideally, a truthful one). That necessitates convincing.

While I agree that immediate rejection on the grounds of one word is a fallacy, many arguments fold like paper mâche because the one word/concept that ostensibly justifies the argument is based on a false/ill-defined/hidden premise. That premise, once rebutted/revealed, could no longer be defended without engaging in cognitive dissonance or defending the indefensible. After that, the rest of the argument comes crashing down.

Ideology isn't the only - or even major - motivating factor for sticking to one's positions. In a proper debate, the burden of proof rests on the person making the affirmative claim. More often than not, the claimant fail to clear the bar of proving their point.

Reconsideration isn't a concession prize. It's won or not at all.

[sneak]

Precisely. I'd prefer that those who can't appreciate nuance just get annoyed or confused and go watch TV or something instead of trying to engage with me or my ideas.