1. Know your history ! (not just the textbook history – check many sources)

2. Learn the facts relating to your topic of concern, especially the neglected ones.

3. Learn to explain your ideas simply to critical, non-specialist audiences.

4. Use, support, and if possible, develop sources of alternative media. (small, independent publishers).

5. Use the Internet to its full advantage: read widely, read often, and be careful with the reliability of sources.

6. When in arguments, try to seek common ground with opponents rather than “defeat” them.

6. Develop listening skills.

7. Know your opposition in detail rather than simply dismissing them. Read their publications, get to know and understand their arguments properly.

8. When forced to justify your position, do so. Also, make people holding mainstream positions justify themselves to the same standards of evidence that they are holding you to ! (i.e.; Ask them questions as well).

9. Be honest! Admit when you don’t know things!




Source: McLeod, Clay. “The importance of intellectual self-defence.” BCTF Social Justice Newsletter. Winter, 2009.