depends on the differences are one can say my oppion you are stupid and the saying no you are. The only truth is if still beleive in things that are not backed from facts then that makes you stupid. If you vote for people out to screw you and others that is stupid. those stupid people will be offended for telling them the truth.

Someone once said, it's a mark of an educated mind entertain a thought even if he/she would not accept it

I actually blocked someone last week, which I have NEVER done before, because he got extremely angry and hostile and went to personal attacks because I expressed a point of view about the differences between men and women that disagreed with his.

Sounds like good advice.

I think it depends on perspective..
I have got into arguements with people who it seemed like they were attacking (either me , or a gender or a group) .. looking back, i think they actually believed whole heartedly that what they were spouting was just an "opinion " even though not once , on anything they said was phrased as an opinion.

Big thing, as you mentioned.. be polite about .
If they can't (or i can't).. then i am tempted to just block or ignore that person.. especially if it looks like no common middle ground is possible.

Ideally i think you're right. In reality it depends on the person(s) you are speaking to IMHO.