[QUOTE=Measure for Measure]
But it’s necessary to at least start with a serious argument, then move to mockery only after a couple of rounds. Otherwise, the levity might smack of unfairness, at least to those not already predisposed to your POV.
[/QUOTE]
Upon reflection, I retract. When faced with an overblown comparison to Nazi Germany, for example, humor is often the proper immediate response. But, in that case it’s best to follow up with a serious attempt to engage the discussant. They might be reachable after all and we all have our blind spots.