Mockery is effective… at making people angry radicals.
Discussion
Mmmm, yes, you're right, but it can also turn angry radicals back into people, on occasion. Skillz and timing dependent, of course.
I've never seen that happen.
Mocking ideas in a comical way can change people's minds.
But mocking people will make them angry radicals at worst, or make them lose all respect for you at best.
I think you hit the nail on the head there. Play the ball, not the man. And even then, skillz and timing.