[Thread]
When it comes to something as complex and underrepresented as Asexuality and Aromanticism, it's not at all surprising to see a lot of people cluelessly question the validity of the Aspec.
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I believe that because lack of education lies at the center of so many of our issues, it is worthwhile to attempt to educate those who simply don't understand our experiences as people on the Aspec.
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However, a lot of people will fake confusion/ignorance as a smokescreen for their aphobia. So I'd like to take a moment to address how to determine clueless sincerity with aphobic bait.
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It really comes down to how they respond to education. I've seen plenty of people post something really aphobic (sometimes even aggressively) but completely change their tune after someone sat down with them and explained to them what the Aspec actually is.
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These people were ignorant, but open to education, and once they understood what it means to be on the Aspec, they were no longer aphobic. Trolls, on the other hand, will be defensive. They'll
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ignore, misrepresent, or straight up 'disagree' with people trying to educate them. It doesn't matter if you're using personal anecdotes, historical documents, or peer-reviewed studies/surveys. No matter how many sources you cite or quotes you pull they won't listen.
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It ultimately comes down to one's ignorance and their ability or willingness to address that ignorance. If you find yourself going back and forth with someone who simply won't *listen*, it's likely they never intended to discuss in good faith.
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So, if you see someone tweet something like "I just don't understand why straight people who don't fuck consider themselves queer" and decide you want to reply, I recommend preparing for either scenario.
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Because while that person could be aphobic, it's just as likely that everything they know about the Aspec comes from someone who actively (or themselves ignorantly) misinformed them
If you find the resulting conversation fruitless and circular do not be afraid to just bail
(9/11)

You gave them a shot, and they blew it. You are not the only Aspec person, it is not your responsibility to force education down the throat of someone who doesn't want it (or try to educate people at all). Just block and move on.
(10/11)

If you want to educate, you should spend your energy educating people who will actually listen (there's probably a lot more than you'd think)
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