You have pointed out the dynamics of these all too common conversations (sic) in a very compelling way. It is the reason I (not wanting to speak for other women but …) tend to keep public discourse bland, and don’t get too deep into debates. They may think they have won; I’ve just written then off. Life is too short to waste time on them, the guys, because as you point out, they are inevitably guys — I think it’s wiring that drives them to debate-to-win — when there are so many other things to be responsible for. Like my family. But it does mean a shrinking amount of public discourse that involves women. At some point, it will be Obnoxious Guys Tackling to Each Other. The rest of us will be having enlightening conversations in private places.