It's amazing how intolerant people are these days. If their views are challenged in any way they go off at the deep end.
Bear was an annoying person. I think everyone can agree with that.
But I think we can see the depth of personality others had in there. The moment someone challenges their view, or answers them back, they take it as a personal insult. For all this laid back persona a lot of people put on. They can't deal with being challenged. I think Bear figured this out so kept verbally nudging them (not insulting them).. and it triggered them off.