IMHO

Fun fact: If you look up the phrase “in my opinion” on google you come up with about 39,400,000 hits. It’s a common phrase in the English language; even more common when people are discussing controversial topics. No one wants to state their claims as facts unless they really are, so sticking “in my opinion” in front of them makes it a little “safer” for a person to express their thoughts and beliefs without being attacked. Many people are smart about this, steering clear of being arrogant or pushy, but others? Not so much.

You see, although there are plenty of famous quotes and sayings when it comes to opinions ("Opinions are like assholes; everyone has one” being one of my personal favorites), I can’t seem to find anyone who states the obvious: Opinions can be wrong.

I can easily say: “In my humblest of opinions, Martin Luther King Jr. really was a woman in drag.” Now, no one can call me out on this and say that I am lying or incorrect, because it is an opinion and not a fact, but no matter how “opinionated” I am on the subject, it doesn’t make it true. Therefore, that entire sentence was a pointless waste of time, especially if I uttered it out loud in front of a group of people.

A couple of things that occur when people state their (very wrong) opinions:

  • They lose credibility
  • Their point becomes moot
  • They waste both their time and the time of those listening

Actually, the most important item in that list is in fact the first point—Loss of credibility. You lose that, and you lose whatever figurative leg you were standing on. So in reality, the other points are just consequences from the first. It irritates me when people state their opinions without giving them basis. If you’re going to discuss a controversial issue, make sure you have a reason for your opinion. If your opinion has no basis whatsoever, don’t waste my time. Do your research and then make conclusions based on said research. The important thing is not to just be opinionated, but also educated.

And really, this entire blog is a lot longer than it should be. I apologize, but my mind is everywhere today, and I’m too lazy to edit this post to make my thoughts more concise. 


But… MLK WAS a woman in drag. :D

Posted by Jordie on March 10, 2008

You’re smart. :) That is my opinion, and it’s RIGHT!!! I, too, think it is not enough to have the appearance of correctness, you must also have the facts to go along with it! A facade really can only be used for so long before it becomes worn.

Posted by Aisling on March 10, 2008

Ah, the topic of “opinions”.  The problem with trying to classify opinions, be they right or wrong, is that that in itself is a matter of opinion. Take for example those weirdy Westboro Baptist Church assholes.. in my opinion they are totally fucked up, but there are others whose opinion may differ.

I believe that the key to having an opinion is not to try and be right in everyone’s eyes, but simply to make sure you believe in it (believe in yourself). There’s no point in even forming opinions if you are prone to flit between them at the slightest suggestion that someone may disagree.

Of course, that’s just my opinion.

Posted by Jem on March 10, 2008

What I hate is when people wave the opinion flag like it makes their comments anymore valid. Or when they think that because it’s opinion they should be exempt from debates (aside from posting their opinion).

Person 1: In my opinion the sky is green.
Person 2: *explains why it isn’t*
Person 1: Gawd didn’t you notice that I put “In my opinion”? YOU CAN’T ARGUE WITH THAT!

Posted by Becky on March 10, 2008

Or when they think that because it’s opinion they should be exempt from debates (aside from posting their opinion).

I agree with that - I think you should have a valid argument when you make your opinion public.

Posted by Nano on March 10, 2008

That’s why I never say “I think” or “in my opinion” or anything like that :P

Posted by Diana on March 10, 2008

... And then there are those who take it a step further and start the sentence with “in my *PERSONAL* opinion”—WTF? If it’s an opinion, it’s obviously personal. *sigh*

Phrases such as those are referred to as linguistic “crutches”—their only purpose is to pad a person’s flimsy arguments when they can’t back them up with facts, or when they are unsure of themselves or whatever the hell their saying; in which case, “the best word said is the one not said at all.”

Posted by Robmarie on March 11, 2008

OMG I just wrote an entry on opinions. I honestly had no idea that you wrote one too since I just got home. Nonetheless, I agree with basically what you said!

Posted by Belinda on March 11, 2008

off-topic, but, you redesigned! happy colors!

IN MY OPINION this layout is awesome. there, now it’s not off topic anymore. hooray!

Posted by Rachel on March 12, 2008

kinda like saying.."I was just saying” and magically its ok like Seinfield pointed out. lol

Posted by mmo on March 17, 2008

Lol, I’ve tried to stay out of the whole “opinion” debate recently, although, that said, it is interesting to read different thoughts about it!

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Posted by Form1 on March 23, 2008