Stop Opinion Shaming: A Message to Everyone on Social Media

Social media nowadays has been a popular outlet for everyone’s opinions. Political, social, and personal opinions. While reading through endless Facebook statuses about your aunt’s views on politics may get annoying, it’s her right to post whatever she deems necessary. It’s freedom of speech and frankly, thats the whole purpose of Facebook.

So why does she get a flurry of comments calling her a homophobe, a racist, and ignorant? Why does her comment on gun laws spark a heated debate on morals?

Discussions on social media have dramatically shifted in tone nowadays. What used to be a conversation discussion different points of views and possible solutions is now name calling, cursing, and in the simplest terms: opinion shaming. This is especially prevalent in regards to politics and the social issues that the country is facing today.

During times in which controversial events are happening, everyone is going to have an opinion. Some will practice their willpower and keep posts off Facebook, but many others will do the common thing: express their views on social media. The second this happens, comments and responses will almost immediately and surely pop up, and in most cases, negative ones.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so why shouldn’t everyone be entitled to share their opinion? I don’t understand the seemingly human need to start arguments over opinions. These arguments always result in two or more bitter people and a lot of time wasted.

What people fail to understand is that one’s opinions have been formed as a result of experience, personal values, and judgements. Another thing they fail to understand is that calling someone out for their opinions and forcing your opinions upon them will not make them change their mind.

So no, the kid I had English with in 7th grade, you did not convince me to vote for president X in the past election by calling my fiscal opinions stupid. But, thanks for trying although I wish you hadn’t.