Sure, let’s talk about it
But let’s be careful how we talk about it
About the ways in which my life are valid
The ways in which my rights are valid

Let’s talk
But let’s not talk about how people like me should conduct themselves
Let’s not talk about the ways you think people like me could be more acceptable

Because people like me are fed up with being told how we should behave

Because even when we do all those things to make you accept us more
Turns out it’s never quite enough for people like you
Turns out, actually you just don’t like us
Turns out, you’re threatened by us
We make you uncomfortable

OK, let’s talk about something else

Let’s talk about power dynamics
Let’s talk about the way these conversations are fun, light hearted thought experiments
Let’s talk about how this is all just a debate for you
Let’s talk about how talk is cheap, when you have nothing to lose,
When none of this really applies to your life and your experience

Hey! Let’s talk about people as numbers and data,
Let’s just distance ourselves from engaging any empathy or compassion
Let’s just look at cold hard facts,
Then we’ll get to the bottom of what really matters

Let’s talk about what you call “extremism” … Extremism … Extremism
Seeking equality and fundamental human rights is not extremism
So let’s talk about how you criticise that fight for equality and human rights
Let’s talk about how people like you want to comment on how people fight for their human rights
Let’s talk about how people like you think people should conduct themselves and be more acceptable
Let’s talk about how people like you want to police how others fight for their human rights
Let’s talk about how people like you want to oppose that fight with your fun, lighthearted debates

Oh, but I’m being an extremist now too…

Let’s talk about something else.