My opinion

From the day we were born (and even before that) our brains developed. Once we thought rationally, we formed opinions. These opinions are how we as individuals process situations, emotions, facts and justify or clarify them in our brains. It is natural and normal.

The age of social media has changed our way we deal with opinions. They are glorified and encouraged by social media and the regular media. It is our “right” to voice our opinions whether they were asked for.

The problem is people want to voice their opinion on every subject, usually with little to no facts behind it. Their source for facts are Facebook, what someone told them, some website on the internet, or skewed media sources.

Problem two is with the internet anyone can find facts to justify their topic at hand. If I look up, the world is flat, or Bigfoot exists, or so and so is the best candidate for President, there are dozens of websites to ‘prove’ I am right. The sources are based on opinions and rarely, if ever, facts. It does not matter to the source or recipient. It is a way to ‘prove’ they are right.

Problem three, and probably the worst, is with social media people can quickly get their opinion out on any subject then walk away. Conversely, they can also argue with someone’s point and also walk away. I have seen a lot of strong opinions on my stuff that I would honestly say would not be voiced to my face.

I miss the days when we could have debates or discussions on differences of opinions without it getting personal. I often have discussions with my Trump fan, and right to bear arms supporting neighbor, and we leave with mutual respect and no anger towards each other. Obviously, I have an opposite view of what he believes in those subjects. We do, however, listen and try to understand the other’s point of view.

I feel those days are long gone. It is easy for people to hide behind a keyboard and say whatever. Respect for each other has long gone as well. People hide behind “it’s my right”, without compassion or even an attempt to understand other people’s views.

I am and will try hard to stay out of these battles, moving forward. Regardless of how much I argue (or anyone, for that matter) people will not change their minds. It is a waste of energy and futile attempt to do so.

You’re not supposed to win or lose arguments. You’re supposed to reach a mutual understanding and agreement. Otherwise, you both lose.

I am going to let everyone have their opinions and keep my own inside my head. I also will not be drawn (or try not to be drawn) into conversations that force my opinions out. It will not be easy, but it is not my business how others act, behave, think or react unless it threatens me (or my family) directly.

I see the irony of this post and the fact that everything above is my opinion, but hey if you made it this far, you must at least be interested in mine.

Until next time,

Tim (Kilmer)