Different from person to person. Usually someone comes in with misconceptions surrounding Marxism, AES, Capitalism, or some other subject I happen to have read up on enough to speak on. I try to correct said misconceptions, non-confrontationally. Then, it can go a few ways:

1. They respond extremely hostilely, and I’ll admit I’m not always level-headed in response

2. They are receptive, at which point I offer a an article or two, or maybe even a full reading list

3. They are semi-receptive, but don’t actually bother countering my points, just asserting Marxism is “wrong” or something along those lines, which is tiring and generally goes nowhere

4. They are a “Marxist” but haven’t read theory. By far the least receptive, so confidently incorrect. These are where the “Marx was an Anarchist” or “the PRC isn’t Socialist” types reside, and are extremely hostile usually as well. These types cannot be reached unless they agree to read theory. Regretably, I used to be one of these kinds of people…

5. AES-sympathetic Anarchists. One of my favorites to talk to, usually semi-familiar to full-on familiar with Marxism, genuine conversations can be had and disagreed upon

6. Anti-AES Anarchists. Usually fall in between category 3 and 4, usually exhausting to talk to and only believe one style of leftism to be “pure enough,” while playing into the hands of US Imperialism. Usually not at all familiar with Marxist theory.

Honestly, it’s more of a lottery on an individual by individual basis. However, by consistently pushing back against misunderstandings, myths, and other problems, more people tend to be able to be receptive to Marxism.

Why do you ask?

I have some small discussions with Cowbee and my experience was that he’s much more reasonable to talk to than most other people with similar viewpoints.