Not All Opinions Are Equal (Some Are Wrong!)

Not All Opinions Are Equal

There’s a strange notion making the rounds that everyone has an opinion that should be heard and tolerated/accepted.

But there is a difference between having different opinions and having a wrong opinion. Some opinions do not deserve a voice at the table. 

Opinions are important, especially differing opinions. Various minds coming together with different ideas can lead to progress and greater ideas. In fact we can see throughout history what atrocities have occurred when like minds get together to form a majority. And we have seen positive advances in society, technology, and culture when people of various ideas put their minds together.

Some opinions are facts. Some are good theories and hypotheses. Some opinions are useful and hold merit. Some do not. Please note that a wrong opinion is not one that is simply disagreed with because it does not match another. A differing opinion is not always a wrong opinion. I am not suggesting moral relativism here. There can be varying degree of perceived "right" and "wrong" or "more right" and "more wrong". We see a great many people getting offended over nonsense that differs with their nonsense. They are appalled at things they find different and choose to be offended. This is usually a mix of entitlement, political correctness, certitude, and a defensiveness of their belief.

But there is also a such thing as WRONG opinions…

An example:

Suppose we are sitting at a table having a group discussion about human sexuality. There would be many different ideas and beliefs presented about the subject based on the particular experiences and moralities of the people in the discussion.

Now a particular person interjects that his belief is that adults should be permitted to have sex with children. This person does not only have a different belief than everyone else at the table, he also has a WRONG belief. In no way can pedophilia be justified as a legitimate opinion. Rightfully so, the guy is removed from the table with a kick to the face and then some.

Another example:

A discussion is taking place about the Jewish culture; the foods, language, and customs. Suddenly a high strung guy with a silly little moustache stands up and proclaims that Jews are inferior and should be sent away to their deaths. Adolf does not have a mere difference of opinion with the gathering, he has a WRONG opinion that he is presenting. Appropriately he is removed from the table with a kick to the face and then some.

And another example:

The discussion of American national policy is happening at our table. The person with the least brain cells, a psychologically deficient dickwad, say that we need to round up all Muslims and put them into camps. He truly believes he is right and does not see it as hate and sees no parallel to the atrocities of history because blah blah blah. Guess what happens next! That’s right. He is removed from the table by a kick to the face and then some!

And another example:

Tristan is a nice young fellow sitting at the table. When the topic of music comes up he asserts with a gleam in his eye that Justin Beiber is great and far greater than The Beatles. Ok, we won’t kick him in the face for this invalid opinion, but he does have to sit in the corner listening to every Beatles album for the rest of the night!

Not all opinions have merit. Some are wrong and do not deserve a place at the table. You may notice that wrong opinions usually involve some sort of damaging or elitist position. Although it is true that there should be no legislation against free speech, if people want to get really ignorant, they should be ready for the free speech to come back at them, and then some!

"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too."

-Rodney Dangerfield

Definition:

wrong

rôNG/

adjective

adjective: wrong

1. 1.

   not correct or true.

   "that is the wrong answer"

   synonyms:

   incorrect, mistaken, in error, erroneous, inaccurate, inexact, imprecise, fallacious, wide of the mark, off target, unsound, faulty; informalout "the wrong answer"

   antonyms:

   right, correct

   • mistaken.

     "I was wrong about him being on the yacht that evening"
     
     
   • unsuitable or undesirable.

     "they asked all the wrong questions"

     synonyms:

     inappropriate, unsuitable, inapt, inapposite, undesirable; More ill-advised, ill-considered, ill-judged, impolitic, injudicious, infelicitous, unfitting, out of keeping, improper; informalout of order "he knew he had said the wrong thing"

     antonyms:

     appropriate

     
     
   • in a bad or abnormal condition; amiss.

     "something was wrong with the pump"

     synonyms:

     amiss, awry, out of order, not right, faulty, flawed, defective "there's something wrong with the engine"

     
     
2. 2.

   unjust, dishonest, or immoral.

   "they were wrong to take the law into their own hands"

   synonyms:

   illegal, unlawful, illicit, criminal, dishonest, dishonorable, corrupt