Irl I often repeat what other people say in my own words and ask them if that's what they believe. It both helps me understand where they're coming from and confirm I get them

On the Internet I almost never do.

Communication is a two way street. You can be as explicit as you want but if people are trying to win an argument instead of have a discussion they're going to misconstrue what you're saying more often than not.

Being able to figure out what another person is trying to say is an important skill some people don't seem have. I'm not talking about pretending not to understand to "win an argument" either: some folks are legitimately incapable of it.

@fsxylo @Mandarbmax Two of the three direct replies are solid Exhibits A and B of exactly what you're talking about xD

So what you're saying is...

Or maybe just stop making racist jokes