Reminded of a pet peeve.

[bloodandsmoke]

I was reminded this evening of an utterly deadly pet peeve of mine. When you find yourself in a debate - or even a friendly discussion, honestly - "It's just my opinion." is not a valid tactic. For some reason, a lot of people think that, as long as it's an opinion and as long as you claim ownership of said opinion, you are invulnerable to

Comments

[avalon616]

I remember in high school, we spent chapters in English class on discerning the difference between an opinion statement and a "fact". We were taught that opinions could never be right or wrong, only facts could be analyzed thusly. At least my school system taught children that there is no argument or debate when it comes to beliefs or opinions, and I wouldn't be surprised if it happened most everywhere in America. I think this method of neither analyzing people's beliefs nor questioning them is a fundamental flaw in contemporary society. I do think religion should be taught in school- comparative religion - and the opportunity for debate, analysis, and interpretation should be available for students earlier than college.

Without that kind of analytical practice, the majority of people might hear a statement such as, "I believe we should stay the course in Iraq because it is the right thing to do," and think there's no arguing with it. It's an opinion statement, and how I was taught in high school opinion statements are unquestionable, infallible.

I think it's a toxic practice that keeps the majority of American's from questioning the base realities around them, and helps encourage the slow downward spiral of our society.

Then again, that's just what I believe.