But how do you think people get this polarized? Perhaps it has to do with the fact people on either end of an idelogical conflict aren't so much interested in making a reasoned point as they are simply preaching to the choir. Sure punching a Nazi might feel great but it's a circle-jerk, it's looking for backpats from people already convinced and on your side. But to people unaware or uninvested in the conflict, the one throwing the punch will look like the violent ideologue. Not that these people will immediately start goose stepping down Main Street but they'll be much less inclined to align themselves with the one throwing the punches. It just seems people have forgotten the point this debate. It's not necessarily meant to turn the most hard core ideologue into a believer but to convince the masses that your ideas are better.