Can We All Stop Screaming Our Opinions On Social Media, Please?

It’s barely into 2016, and I’ve already noticed a trend. No, it’s not something like sparkly leggings or glitter beards. It’s more of something I’m noticing on social media. Rather than discussing opinions, people are closing their minds and arguing for the sake of tearing down the other side.

So here’s the thing: I didn’t like The Force Awakens very much. I figured my brother and I must have been the only ones since my news feed was a constant stream of “BEST MOVIE EVER!!!” And then, low and behold, I found an article that articulated a lot of how I felt about the movie.

Let me make this clear: I’m a fan of exaggerations. When I somewhat agree with something, I exclaim my support behind the approach. 90% of the words out of my mouth reign in the realm of hyperbolism. Yes, that was another one. I’m also not the world’s biggest Star Wars fan. Sure, I grew up with and enjoyed the movies, but I’ve always been more of a Lord of the Rings gal.

Anyway, back to the point.

I expressed that a certain article talking about why someone didn’t like the new movie was exactly how I felt about it! (It wasn’t exactly how I felt—I just figured stating that a high percentage of the article applied to me has less impact, so that part is on me.) I also pointed out that I’m glad other people liked it, but it just wasn’t for me.

People got mad.

Like, commenting on every single comment and telling me I must not have been paying attention mad. Now, I may be wrong here, but aren’t we allowed to all not enjoy the same movies?

Why do others feel the need to discredit someone’s attention and intellect just because something they have a valid opinion on doesn’t match up with their own? Look, we are all individuals with our own minds. We are allowed to like and dislike things. Personally, I like the, “I see where you’re coming from, and here is where I stand on this,” approach to these discussions over the “I feel sorry for people like you because this is how it should have been perceived!” That is rude, right?

It’s a new year, you guys.

I want people to realize that you can like something and not like something else without tearing down the latter. You do not need to throw petty insults in order to prove your point. Other people’s opinions matter! This was not a factual presentation. It was a sharing of my opinion.

Even in the case of facts, ask for a source for proof or, I don’t know, maybe do your own research before calling someone else names? Hey, better yet, show some maturity and don’t call other people names at all! (Yes, this also happened. Even after sources were posted.)

Look, I get it. We’re all passionate about what we believe in, but this would be smooth as a fresh jar of creamy Jif if we could just acknowledge other people’s opinions on non-culturally harmful topics as valuable viewpoints! We don’t have to aggressively argue in a confrontational manner every time our thoughts don’t align.

This 2016, I hope you all spread positive vibes and live compassionately. I know I’m going to, so let’s give people the benefit of the doubt and take our fresh start seriously. [tc-mar]