Debating with crunchies

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Save baby Buster

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So I often find my self debating on online forms with people who consider themselves to be crunchy. My favorite target is the anti-vaccine group. I am perfectly aware that I won't ever convince them that they are wrong. I mostly do it so if anybody ever on the fence about vaccines reads it they will realize that for the most these people have no idea what they are talking about. I also do it just for the comedy of some of the things they say. My favorite thing going around currently is how natural immunity to a disease is better than the immunity gained from a vaccine to the disease. Their argument is the same thing as saying the best way to not accidentally fall off a cliff is to just jump off it. Anyways I was just curious of what are some of the funniest most outlandish things you all have heard this group of people say.
 
Sorry, what? Crunchy?
A term mockingly used for the 'environmentally conscious'. aka Green, granola, etc.

So I often find my self debating on online forms with people who consider themselves to be crunchy. My favorite target is the anti-vaccine group. I am perfectly aware that I won't ever convince them that they are wrong. I mostly do it so if anybody ever on the fence about vaccines reads it they will realize that for the most these people have no idea what they are talking about. I also do it just for the comedy of some of the things they say. My favorite thing going around currently is how natural immunity to a disease is better than the immunity gained from a vaccine to the disease. Their argument is the same thing as saying the best way to not accidentally fall off a cliff is to just jump off it. Anyways I was just curious of what are some of the funniest most outlandish things you all have heard this group of people say.

I was more interested in another story I heard. IDK whether or not it's true. Some people sold mugs/tshirts mocking men to militant feminists online and used the money to fund some men's health stuff. I just can't recall where I heard it.
 
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I have run into a few of these people IRL and it is always amusing. I was at a bar with a buddy and his girlfriend came to meet up with us. She is in acupuncture school, super crunchy, and most certainly against western medicine and vaccinations.

She lays into me because "you are gonna be a legal drug dealer, poisoning our children...blah blah blah." Then she proceeds to state that if it wasn't for food additives and pesticides, people would live much longer "like they used to." When I asked her what that meant, she responded that people in biblical times lived to be 800 years old because there were no additives in food! An interesting crunchy fundy mix to which I hadn't been previously exposed.

After that comment I smiled and agreed that I am all about organic produce and alternative treatments - "in fact, last week I was constipated and I stuck a purple crystal up my ass..."

Probably won't be invited to hang out with her again.
 
So I often find my self debating on online forms with people who consider themselves to be crunchy. My favorite target is the anti-vaccine group. I am perfectly aware that I won't ever convince them that they are wrong. I mostly do it so if anybody ever on the fence about vaccines reads it they will realize that for the most these people have no idea what they are talking about. I also do it just for the comedy of some of the things they say. My favorite thing going around currently is how natural immunity to a disease is better than the immunity gained from a vaccine to the disease. Their argument is the same thing as saying the best way to not accidentally fall off a cliff is to just jump off it. Anyways I was just curious of what are some of the funniest most outlandish things you all have heard this group of people say.

Eh, I have friends who are delaying MMR right now. It gets a bit less academic when you actually know these people and listen to the words come out of their own mouths while holding their kid on your lap.
 
I guess what I do depends on what exactly I want to accomplish. As far as trying to "win" a debate, I just don't bother because it's not possible. Usually, I encounter people like this either in social settings or as patients. Generally, I find the most success by asking questions to ascertain their motivation behind their beliefs. Often I find that their anti-vaccine or whatnot view is part of a larger body of beliefs and ultimately their worldview. Changing someone's worldview is very difficult, but it can be done with time. Remember, they didn't start googling about vaccines and organic foods and GMOs first and then create a worldview; they already had a worldview and then found things to support it. Often these worldviews have many good points in them - commitment to healthy living, wanting the best for their child, etc. You may find your ideas better received if you build on the things you agree on and present new ideas in the context of their worldview.
 
I guess what I do depends on what exactly I want to accomplish. As far as trying to "win" a debate, I just don't bother because it's not possible. Usually, I encounter people like this either in social settings or as patients. Generally, I find the most success by asking questions to ascertain their motivation behind their beliefs. Often I find that their anti-vaccine or whatnot view is part of a larger body of beliefs and ultimately their worldview. Changing someone's worldview is very difficult, but it can be done with time. Remember, they didn't start googling about vaccines and organic foods and GMOs first and then create a worldview; they already had a worldview and then found things to support it. Often these worldviews have many good points in them - commitment to healthy living, wanting the best for their child, etc. You may find your ideas better received if you build on the things you agree on and present new ideas in the context of their worldview.
Can't agree more.
 
I really hope this crunchy thing doesn't catch on.
 
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