Udhay, Your Offline strategy is the one I most use. I have to treat the online option with great care because I get easily depressed when I see the number of trolls that abound. In person, there is greater respect for viewpoints all round. I remember talking with a young Southerner (can't remember if it was Tennesse or Alabama) who was very reticent when discussing African-Americans and affirmative action. One or two comments gave me an idea of his general slant BUT there were so many shades of gray. At any rate, he was very conflicted. I was curious but also noted a closing of the doors in my mind when I felt his conflict.
My favorite filterbusters include: talking with athletes and people who work outdoors, talking with scientists and techies (actually SILKList is one of my filterbusters), talking with naturalists and botanists (take me out of the animal world for a while!). The ones I should consider more are - investment bankers and financial experts - I just find that I have no interest in their professions!!! Stating an opinion on anything generally leads to filter busting I remember making a remark on some silly video on one-night stands made by and for young people in India to the effect that it was great to see people talking about it instead of scurrying away. The trolls haven't stopped since but I simply tuned out all notifications. Cheers. Radhika >
