An opinion, by definition, is a personal belief or view, not based on enough facts to produce total certainty. We each are entitled to an opinion regarding ANY subject matter, and therein, unfortunately, lies the problem.
It can be anything from debating with a co-worker or friend about the most comfortable pair of shoes to wear, which grocery store carries the freshest produce, or even what we choose to feed our kids! I think we all know by now what subjects are sparking continuous and relentless arguments.
Right now is the time for the “perfect storm” of major discord on a global level, and it’s very sad to say. Everyone is on edge living through a pandemic. The topics at hand are extremely hot, and the tools to voice any opinion on anything at any given moment in time is at our fingertips with social media.
So exactly where does humanity go from here?
Crazy as it sounds, my opinion about opinions is that each one starts as a minuscule thought in our minds, that’s been formed by our personal experiences and expectations of life going as far back as childhood. And in theory, we each should respect each other’s opinions, but in reality, I think we could all agree it just doesn’t happen.
Why can’t we agree to disagree?
I think it’s the who, how, what, and when an opinion is expressed that’s the real issue. As adults, we interact daily with strangers, acquaintances, and close family and friends, often through social media. People are offering their opinions on everything! Just remember to be kind. It’s easy to express your thoughts from behind the computer screen, but would you have the courage to say it face to face? Instead of arguing, can’t we just learn from one another?
It would be a hopeful message to send to our future generation if each of us could achieve at least a tiny bit of peace in our little worlds. And certainly, that starts with the notion, let’s agree to disagree, and mean it. If each of us, along with our families, can do that, then hopefully it’s not too late, and all of humankind wins.
