Everyone has an opinion…
Each and every one of us. We watch a movie or a television show and we make assessments of that show using our preset likes and dislikes. Our evaluation of the movie, or show, may differ from others that view the same media, as they are using their own criteria to judge it’s merit.
____________________________________________________________________
Normally, I enjoy a difference of opinion, it opens the door to lively conversation. Hearing the opinions of others, and learning how they came to their assessments, opens my mind to other viewpoints, expanding my knowledge base.
Sitting with friends or family over dinner and drinks, discussing the latest movie, television series, newest gadget, or local eateries, is enjoyable to me. I like to hear what others have to say about their experiences. I enjoy listening to someone argue their point-in a friendly way, bantering back and forth with energy and enthusiasm. I may not agree, but I appreciate our differences.
An opinion is just an opinion…
One of my favorite quotes:
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Just because I believe something to be true, does not make it fact. Personally, I do not enjoy movies with violence. I am not a blood and gore type of girl, I do not enjoy the sound of fist against flesh or seeing the bloody demise of a character, even if it is the antagonist.
For example: Quentin Tarantino movies. I have been told, repeatedly, that his work is a “must watch”. Many have touted Tarantino: “The Greatest Cinematic Director Of Our Age”, “The Greatest Storyteller”, “The director that produces the best performances from actors”.
Chicago Sun-Times | Roger Ebert
Kill Bill: Volume 1 shows Quentin Tarantino so effortlessly and brilliantly in command of his technique that he reminds me of a virtuoso violinist racing through “Flight of the Bumble Bee” — or maybe an accordion prodigy setting a speed record for “Lady of Spain.”
Roger Ebert’s opinion (and my husband’s) pushed me over the edge, I cuddled up on the couch with my popcorn excited to see a cinematic treat. Sadly, I cannot give a review of this film, my hands were either over my ears or my eyes throughout the entire time. Uma Thurman may have given the best performance of her career, but I missed it.
Needless to say, my opinion of the film does not bare credence. I will defer to others on this topic, my preexisting preferences take me out of the equation.
The above example….
Is pretty simplistic, I don’t like violence so I cannot give an opinion on the film, I did not get to experience it. But how often throughout the day do we make opinions or judgments about others or their actions?
Remember that toddler in the grocery store? The one who threw a tantrum for the entire time you were in the store? The one who’s banshee screeching gave you a migraine that has been throbbing behind your eye for hours. Remember that child? Did you form an opinion about the quality of his parents? Of how they are raising him?
Or the guy who cut you off today on the freeway? Or the salesclerk who “intentionally” ignored you? The kid at McDonald’s who gave you the wrong order? They are obviously horrible human beings.
We all form opinions, for the most part, our opinions are harmless. You get a bit steamed, for a moment, and then you forget all about the occurrence as you go through your day. But I believe that those who take their opinions as fact can be damaging, to themselves and others.
“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”
― Harlan Ellison
Ha! I am sure that you have an opinion of this article…At the very least, I hope that it has opened your mind. This article is an introduction to my next. It is intended to be a crowbar. A crowbar is generally used to force apart two objects, in this case it is intended to separate us from the belief that the opinions we form are in fact, facts.
Science is the father of knowledge, but opinion breeds ignorance.
Hippocrates
