They are free, in abundance, and everyone has got one!
From politics to religion. Gender inequality to race discrimination. Career decisions to lifestyle choices. Mental health to climate change.
Opinions by nature have a degree of subjectivity and uncertainty linked to them.
When someone says “In my opinion”, they are presenting their views on the topic.
That’s all an opinion is – someone’s viewpoint. Informed or uninformed!
Opinions can broadly be classified into two types. The ones that reflect your personal taste or preferences, and the ones that reflect your views on matters that concern other people (or wider society).
You can’t really argue the first kind of opinion. It would silly to insist that you are wrong to think winters are better than summers or tea is better than coffee.
However, the second kind, the one that affects the community, is subject to discussion and acceptance by others. Who will often have their own opinion on the topic.
But surely everyone is ‘entitled’ to their opinion?
It depends. If you mean that everyone is free to think and say anything, then yes. No one can stop you from saying “5G technology is the cause of the Coronavirus pandemic”, or “There is no gender pay gap”, no matter how much data suggests otherwise.
But if ‘entitled to an opinion’ means ‘entitled to have your views respected or seriously considered’ then the answer is a big no.
Not all opinions are equally valuable. For your views to be respected and accepted, it’s important to base them on facts and present it in a way that syncs with your audience.