The way you guys use the word "Conservative", It is as if it is no longer a political philosophy but a cultural identity.
As for the usage of "well spoken", I think a better word would be "outspoken".
Are you claiming it isn't a cultural identity? Find me one far left/right supporter that doesn't view their political beliefs as being part of a culture.
I also disagree with the Outspoken -vs- well spoken. Milo is well spoken, Ted Nugent is not. Both are outspoken.
Claiming to be anti homophobia by having one token gay friend is the thing now. It's like white people who have the one black friend. It's just a cheap and easy way to hide prejudices. Let's face it the gay, black, disabled, veteran, is the holy grail of people to pop up if you want to seem like you give a fuck. Even though you don't.
The fact is...most people are prejudice against those they do not know. Personally, I've know very few people that despise an entire, specific group of people based on a single trait.
I won't say this is gospel...I'll just say it is what I see all around me. If you look at a person like an atom, they are in the center. Then comes close family/friends, then the rings move out form there. non close friends, co-workers, people in their town, state, country, faith...you name it. Nearly everyone has a ring where their prejudice begins. A ring where they stop caring and/or begin thinking that they're better or more important. For everyone, which ring that is varies and may vary based on situation.
The whole "I'm not prejudice because I have a white/gay/black/liberal/foreign/conservative/whatever friend/family member" seems like nothing more to me than a pathetic attempt to combat someone accusing them of it. An accusation that is currently being thrown around like leaves in the wind.
I have a real easy response. "fuck off". I don't need to "prove" to anyone how I feel or what's in my heart. If anyone wants to call me prejudice against anyone...fine, they can go fuck them self, I don't need to prove anything to them.