Study
The deflection loop
A combative bystander who will not answer a direct question and keeps changing the subject.
The deflection loop
CombativeA combative bystander who will not answer a direct question and keeps changing the subject.
A model of the three-strike disengage. The activist stays calm, reasserts each time the person dodges, counts three deflections, then plants the seed and walks away. A good conversation that correctly ends without a declaration.
ActivistStep 1
Hello, how do you feel about humans exploiting other animals?
Open on feeling and name exploitation. The opening is the same regardless of how the person will behave.
Avoids the flaw: feelingMissedStep1
Non-vegan
What about plants? Plants are alive too. You're killing them and nobody cries about it.
What would you say next?
First thing out of their mouth is what about plants? How do you respond?
ActivistStep 1
That is not what I asked. Even if plants mattered, it would not justify using someone we both agree is sentient. How do you feel about humans exploiting other animals?
Strike one. Name the deflection as beside the point in one line, do not debate plants, and reassert the same question calmly.
Avoids the flaw: debating
Non-vegan
Lions eat other animals though. It's the circle of life. Are you going to lecture the lions?
ActivistStep 1
We are not lions, and we are not talking about them. I asked how you feel about humans exploiting other animals.
Strike two. Same discipline: refuse the exit ramp in a sentence, return to the feeling question. No tangent, no insult.
Avoids the flaw: tangents
Non-vegan
This is just your personal choice. Why are you forcing your beliefs on everyone? Mind your own business.
ActivistStep 1
Justice is not a matter of taste, and I am not asking you to adopt my beliefs. I am asking you a simple question about how you feel. Will you answer it?
Third dodge forming. Reassert once more without heat. This is the last reassert before disengaging.
Avoids the flaw: noReassertion
Non-vegan
I don't have to answer anything. This is ridiculous. What about crop deaths, huh?
What would you say next?
That is now the third dodge in a row. What do you do?
ActivistStep 1
That is three questions dodged. I am not going to chase you or argue whether you are avoiding this, and I am not going to insult you.
Three strikes reached. State it calmly and factually. Do not call them closed-minded, do not give one more chance, do not debate whether they are dodging.
Avoids the flaw: failedToDisengage
ActivistStep 1
Here is the truth to sit with. As long as you are not vegan, other animals are exploited because of you. Whenever you are ready to be honest about that, the door is open. Take care.
Plant the seed and walk away. One clear line of accountability, no argument, then leave. The conversation ended correctly without a declaration.
Avoids the flaw: wastingTime