Actually, by definition the proselytizer does not immediately assume the "victim" is ignorant.

A good teacher proselytizes daily. Folks here proselytize all the time - you included. Do all these folks, and yourself, look at all the folks they are addressing as ignorant? No, that is a false assumption that many make whenever someone stands on a soapbox and tries to recruit others to their cause or point of view.

Assuming all proselytizers want to be patronizing is also another false assumption. Many intentionally patronize those they address, but countless more don't.

Many here, with different political views than other posters, claim they are patronized by others and are treated like children. I don't think this is the case. If a poster really believed that he was addressing a bunch of empty heads, I don't think he would bother. If a poster thinks he is intelligent and well reasoned, doesn't that actually suggest that he would try to proselytize with others of the same caliber? Logic dictates that if you realize a certain level of understanding comes with a certain level of development you would not waste time with those who had no chance of understanding.

When I proselytize on the lack of space/science progressivism, it's not done out of insecurity about my convictions or the desire to patronize some segment of the population, rather I do so because the opportunity to share one's views are made-to-order here on a public bulletin board. I read Raoul's post and the perfect opportunity to step up on a soapbox presented itself. I obliged.

If someone feels patronized or irritated, those feelings always start with them. I can go through the Zone and read almost anything without it bothering me. I don't personalize the content, even when it is directed towards me negatively. It takes two to tango and two to let any proselytizing become an "insult" or irritant.

This sort of personalization is why Israel and the Palestinians can't get along - everything is viewed through the personal ego. The Japanese also constantly seek to "save face" because the personal ego is their interface with society. That society is a good one to see how horribly the ego interface serves one when dealing with others.

Data, viewpoints, ideas are when presented impersonally are much more easily shared, debated and refined. An "ego-less" Zone would be less incendiary, perhaps less entertaining, but far more productive.

It also helps if one can proselytize in fewer words - I'm working on that one.

;-)