Very well said. There is also an effect at play here where the more dire an accusation is, the more our natural tendency is to believe it. Take a more extreme example: pedophile. If your neighbor is accused of being a pedophile, however flimsy the evidence, people are going to start acting as if it is true.

It’s logical behavior, in a way, because dangers with more serious consequences need to be taken more seriously. Its safer to just assume a dangerous threat is really a threat even if you’re not sure about the data. This is terrible for those with suspicion cast on them, but it is a thing.

Please be aware, any accusation that could be used to vilify an opponent, and make one potentially look like the Good Guy for calling them out WILL be used. Some people are shit, and others will easily rationalize themselves into believing whatever is convenient, with the flimsiest evidence.

Issues that are especially fraught, the sort of accusations that really get people riled up are especially tempting for such people.

Moose is a good example of an animal that might kill you for looking at him funny in rutting season. Especially if you have a dog.

They fit relatively tightly compared to boxers, even when the right size.