Opinions can't be wrong, they're just someone's viewpoint

I'm deeply troubled by what seems to be a growing abuse of the word "opinion." Take it from me, the opinion writer at The State News. It seems that too many people don't understand the meaning and purpose of an opinion.

Part of my job is to write a column approximately once a week on any topic I choose, as long as it reflects a well-argued stance on the subject matter. Notice that my e-mail address is printed at the end of every column.

This is for readers to respond directly to me regarding any issues or insight they might have about the subjects I choose. Not many readers take the time to e-mail responses to me, but for those who do, I read each and every word.

While many responses present thoughtful counter arguments to my writing, I am always surprised at how many e-mails say, in so many words, "Your opinion is wrong." My opinion is wrong?

My opinion is my opinion. I never said my opinion was the ultimate, final answer. My opinion is simply the stance I choose to take on issues after carefully weighing all sides and looking at all the relevant information. Opinion. View. Belief. It is the ultimate irony to make the statement "Your opinion is wrong," because an opinion can't be wrong. It can be disagreed with, but it can't be incorrect because it is simply one's personal view.

Think about what the word opinion implies before you start telling people their opinion is incorrect. Merriam-Webster defines opinion as "a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter" or "a belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge."

One individual's personal beliefs might be different from those of another. This is what makes life so much fun. It makes politics interesting; it lends color to talk shows; it makes the opinionated editorial page one of the most highly read sections of every newspaper. Don't degrade the importance of differing opinions by dismissing those you don't agree with.

I understand that debates often get heated and sometimes personal. But even if someone's opinion offends you, force yourself at least to listen, even if you don't agree. What you learn from someone else's beliefs might make your case stronger. I have faith in the intelligence of humanity. I believe that most people out there can come up with better arguments than, "Your opinion is wrong." Making this statement is the lazy man's response to an issue. A quality argument requires more effort than just blowing off the other person's beliefs.

Making a good case for an opinion starts with complete knowledge of the subject with which you take issue. There must be a firm foundation of facts to back up what you believe. Here's an example on a small scale.

My friend and I are getting ice cream (don't ask me why, given the weather lately). I order a healthy scoop of mint chocolate chip while she gets a double scoop of cookie dough. While munching on our treats, I state that mint chocolate chip is a far better ice cream than cookie dough. My friend disagrees. Instead of simply saying "Well, your opinion is wrong," I could point out all the facts that back up my belief. I could say, "green mint ice cream is more colorful than white vanilla," or point out that cookie dough is more fattening than chocolate chips. These facts would support my rally for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

The next step to making a good case for my love of mint chocolate chip ice cream would be to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. While being prepared for a debate requires knowledge of all the facts surrounding an issue, it also requires being able to acknowledge the opposite side of the case.

My argument at the ice cream parlor can be that much more believable if I point out all the reasons why cookie dough is a great ice cream, but then shoot down all these points with reasons why it still isn't better than mint chip.

Obviously, scientific research and statistical surveys aren't necessary to back up an opinion on a dessert. This is just a silly example of how to formulate a good argument. But this form of educated debate can be applied across the board, and is especially effective when arguing about more relevant issues.

Should the Anglican Church split over the appointment of an openly gay bishop? How should the U.S. Supreme Court rule in the upcoming case involving the reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Share your opinion, but be prepared to back up your beliefs with facts. Know what you're talking about before you start ranting and raving. And don't dismiss someone else's convictions as "wrong" - they're entitled to their beliefs just as you are. But go ahead and disagree with me. It's just an opinion.

Emily Bingham is The State News opinion writer. She can be reached at binghame@msu.edu.

Published on Thursday, November 6, 2003