Why do you actually care what someone on the internet thinks of you?
Because I think it is entirely unjust that some people be expected to tolerate bullying just because it makes the bully unhappy to be called out for their poor behavior.
And these are mostly guys we’re arguing with and they grow up insulting each other a lot worse than anything I’ve seen here.
Excusing their behavior because they're men doesn't really work for me. Boys also tend to be more aggressive and violent than girls, but that doesn't mean we should tolerate wife beating because of it.
If you think someone is being insulting, it’s better to ignore it or call it out for what it is and then to just make your points . You can’t change other people. Let the pigs wallow. Don’t climb down in the mud.
You know the fastest way to teach a kitten not to bite your hand? Bite their ear when they do. Not hard enough to draw blood, not hard enough to cause serious damage. Just enough to hurt and get their attention.
Being patient hasn't been effective. Being polite and employing reason and civil argument hasn't produced a change in behavior. Perhaps being subjected to the same kind of invective they feel empowered to dish out will remind them of the golden rule. It might not, and I'm aware of that. That's fine.
It is now entirely their choice how we interact. Treat me with civility and they will receive the same. Treat me with contempt and they will receive the same. I won't instigate it, but I also won't tolerate it meekly and subserviently.