Good question. I'm not sure I would necessarily bend to them, but it really depends on the situation. What's on the line? What are the costs and benefits of acting, or not acting? Do I really need to die on that particular hill at that particular moment? Can I just smile and nod and save that argument for another day, or move to a different room?

I will admit that what makes this easier for me is that I think society is generally moving in the right direction, towards more diversity, more equity, more tolerance, less racism, etc. If I felt things were going in the wrong direction, I would stand up against it. But it's always easier when the river carries you in the direction you want to go.

Sorry I don't have a great answer here, but what I do know from experience is that most of the time, standing solely on principle while the hilltop is crumbling underneath you isn't a very safe place to be. :-)