I just stepped out of an outright grueling argument with an extremely stubborn and bigoted individual. I have a hard time understanding how someone like that can still be around in this modern time, but I guess it goes to show that people have never and will never change. Anyway, my question is how do you go up against someone with some formidable a defense as stubborn ignorance and out and out bigotry? Can you? Will they please stop breeding?
I think assuming that bigotry=ignorance seems like a close-minded view. He’s probably thinking to himself, “Man, that guy’s stubborn.” Furthermore, trying to change someone’s mind who adheres to that view so strongly and obviously doesn’t want their mind changed seems not only futile, but elitist. That’s just my opinion though.
When dealing with ignorance on such a primal level, what is the motivation or reward for the ignorant? After all, ignorance is bliss and the truth hurts. Tell me again why I need to be enlightened?
Stop banging your head against that wall. People who are unwilling to learn (or even consider your viewpoint) will continue to live with their ignorance.
This thread should be moved to IMHO because there are no factual, definitive answers to your questions.
Having said that, don’t get your knickers in a knot about it. Stick to the subject matter in your debates (arguments) and avoid personalities and irrelevant areas as much as possible. In many cases, you will have to bite your tongue and just walk away. Maintain your own peace of mind.
All in all, if it were not for the ignorant, we would not know how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. Besides, one can only hope they become a nominee for a Darwin Award in short order.
An old aphorism comes to mind: When you’re arguing with a fool, what is he doing?
The same thing.
Why even bother trying to get through to a person, if you can’t?
There’s another old saying:
“When you point your finger at someone, you have three fingers pointing at yourself.”
And another: “Humility is the elixir of life.”
And a third: “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.”
Off to IMHO, for the reasons stated, and because my personal suggestion is against forum rules. 
Depends on the reason why you argued with him. In other words, is it essential for you to change his views? Say, he’s your brother, father, or a friend. If not, you should have saved your breath.
i run into this all the time. especially since i’m very liberal in a very conservative region (oh i can’t wait to get out of the south).
from my personal experiences, there’s not much you can do. most likely they don’t want to change their positions as much as you don’t want to change yours. the only suggestion i have is to listen to them and then form a rebuttal. it may not work, but at least you’re not coming off as ignorant as they are.
if you can, try to disprove what they say with factual evidence. it really irritates them. but in the same sense, be prepared if they do the same.
I feel your pain, ShadiRoxan. I grew up in a tiny town in NYS… now I’m in southern Louisiana. People here are crazy racist!!! The worst problem here is that most people who are racist won’t admit that they are. They think that refusing to have any friends or SO’s of a different race (solely based on ethnicity) isn’t racism. That’s like me refusing to have any friends or bf’s without blond hair!
Hey, I feel the pain of both of you. I get so sick of all the racist shit I hear down here! mandielise, I’ve run into a few of the closet racists, too. “Well, I’m not racist, see, but it’s those damn blacks that commit all the crime, so I’m going to steer clear of them.”
Of course, I’ve spent plenty of time telling these people (and others who were more outspoken in their racism) that more black people commit crime because more black people come from financially insecure environments. I explained how that even in this supposedly colorblind society, there’s still plenty of covert (and overt) racism that helps keep black people down.
None of the racists have ever tried to argue my points. I don’t know if that’s surprising or not. It does suggest that they haven’t really examined the issues and that they are, in fact, ignorant, which is why they’re racist. Once I’m done explaining myself, they nod and agree that it makes sense, but their newfound attitude never seems to stick. It’s quite frustrating. 
Oh, I usually get responses to that analysis. I’ve even had a friend of mine explain how black people are genetically inferior and less evolved than whites. Total bullshit of course! The worst part was… his whole entire argument came directly from Hitler. Scary, eh?
In the past I have tried to reason with the stupid and ignorant. I have tried to argue with them. I have used logic and reason. I have yelled and screamed to no avail. Nothing seems to work. Unfortunatly, unless someone really wants to be enlightened and lifted from the fog of ignorance and dumbness there is no help for them. That is why I have resourted to the "2x4 of Enlightenment"TM, often times with a "Nail of Intelligence"TM or 2 driven through the business end, just for good measure.
Where can one obtain such wonderful tools?
I think you should use sarcasm, jargon, and condescending tones as much as possible. People really seem to understand better when their stupidity is used as a bludgeon against them.
OK, I guess I have nothing substantive to add, other than:
become genuinely interested in the other’s point of view. This doesn’t mean you have to agree, just let them explain and try to understand.
If you really have to, you can tell them that you disagree, but don’t offer to tell them why unless they ask.
If they ask, show respect for their opinions, and be respectful with yours, don’t try to convince them of anything
Basically, spread good will and respect.
Ever see the movie “babe” about the talking pig? That scene where the sheep dog and the sheep spoke really slowly and respectfully to each other?
Kind of like that.