What Happens When People Argue Against Your Opinion?

Do people say you’re wrong about what you believe?

I can admit when I’m wrong. There have been times — few as they were — that I made a statement only to discover facts that contradicted me.

However, if I say that Nicole Kidman is the best actor in Hollywood, you can’t prove me wrong. Why? Because it’s an opinion. I can certainly back up my claim, but I don’t need to.

In My Opinion…

I responded to an article by The Sturg. I began my response with the phrase, “In my opinion,” because I know that others have strong beliefs about the topic in question. I referred to a timeout as one of the “least effective” parenting techniques. I wrote this in support of the author and the way a situation was handled.

Given the ignorance of the human species, I shouldn’t have been surprised that someone would sail past my “In my opinion” disclaimer and zero in on a phrase they disagreed with.

They commented that timeouts were “incredibly effective” in certain situations. If they want to hold to that belief, it’s fine with me; I don’t care. What’s problematic is when a person tells me my viewpoint is wrong.

Looking at her articles and comments she’s made on other blogs, it seems to be a trend of hers to contradict others’ opinions.

Have we reached a point where we can’t state our opinions without someone coming in and contradicting them?

If someone says the Earth is flat, I don’t care if they believe it. I haven’t taken a ride on Jeff Bezos’s penis-shaped spaceship and snapped pictures of our ball-shaped planet, so I can’t prove to them, from my own experience, that they’re wrong. Even if I could, I wouldn’t do it. If countless astronauts and scientists haven’t convinced them, why do I think I would?

Their belief also has no effect on me. If someone argues against gravity, their screwed-up view of physics isn’t going to suddenly sweep me off my feet. In other words, your opinion or belief doesn’t create reality.

If Heaven and Hell exist, when you die, you’ll go to one of those places. Even if you’re an atheist, God’s not going to say, “Well, you didn’t believe in me, but I’ll let it slide.” Nope. Sorry, sucker, your ass is gonna burn.

People believe what they want to believe

Closed-minded people are, by definition, not open to accepting anything that doesn’t fit their views. You can point out scientific studies and even provide evidentiary proof to contradict their stance, but they won’t budge.

Many people believe what they want to believe. It may be the fear of looking stupid. They may not be able to accept the fact that they aren’t perfect and they’re sometimes wrong.

Many people — especially when raised in a strict religious atmosphere — adhere to “black-and-white” or dichotomous thinking. There’s no gray area, no leeway, no grace. Things must be one way or the other.

On one hand, it’s good to know where you stand on certain issues. But this becomes a problem when it’s taken too far. It becomes “I’m right and you’re wrong — period.”

My way or the highway

James Finn wrote about some controversy over a black Santa in a wheelchair and a rainbow-clad nutcracker. I don’t understand why some people insist on voicing their opinions on things that don’t affect them.

A wooden soldier who puts nuts in his mouth sounds pretty gay to me in the first place. Is it such a stretch to give him a Pride flag?

Perhaps the original Saint Nicholas was white and that’s the point of contention (doubtful). If a black kid in a wheelchair wants to have a relatable Santa Claus, how is that hurting anybody else?

If you believe in a white Santa who carries his fat belly around on two legs, then Merry Christmas to you and your pale progeny. But don’t “Bah, Humbug” someone who chooses something different.

If you want to crack your nuts with a traditional stiff wood soldier, I’m all for it. Perhaps I want my nutcracker to have some colorful garb. Are you going to tell me I’m wrong? Who are you, the gay police? Then go ahead and slap those handcuffs on me (preferably fuzzy pink ones).

Otherwise, let people celebrate the holidays with their black Santa and gay apparel. Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la la la.

Here’s another tidbit that may blow your mind: when someone writes something in an article you disagree with, you don’t have to comment.

You mean, I can hold my opinions to myself?

That’s right, thumb warrior. You can keep your mouth shut and write your own stupid article about how wrong you think they are. Otherwise, I’m sure you can find something else to do with your thumbs — and other digits.

If it’s your goal to educate the entire world, become a teacher. If you want to be a troll, put the work in by living under a bridge and posing riddles to passersby to gain entry. Living in the comment section is pure laziness. If you’ve got that much time on your hands, you need a new hobby.

If your thumbs are itchy, twitchy, and ready to be bitchy, write me a comment. I’ll tell you what you can do with them.

Thanks for reading! Highlight something you found significant and sign up for my email list. I usually suggest leaving comments, but after writing this post, am I asking for trouble? 😬