I do believe this is a fair point for those in the public light, and some local social situations, but I’ve also seen its effects overestimated and applied to localities where its clearly irrelevant, and there is no trend or concern whatsoever.

Be wary to be the more reasonable party — not just in position but in manner as well.

Perhaps even, in approaching every individual interaction with humility, reasoning towards truth along with the your associates, you might not only avoid malevolent agitation, but even show them an inkling or glimpse of light, of reality that they’ve been starving for.