I’m inclined to agree that proper debate is almost impossible as it will quickly devolve into identity politics.
Major media outlets have largely moved away from neutral journalism and push a noticeably left wing narrative. In my opinion, it means the silencing of conservative opinions or worse, lumping conservatives with alt-right groups to immediately discredit and shame people into silence. Look no further then college campuses to see this effect.
I believe your ideas and merit of your logic should always take precedence over virtue signalling and identify politics