"Token Celtic Drinking Song" (aka "One Stiff Whiskey") Jimmy George
I received a guestbook entry from a fellow who was none too pleased with me disagreeing with his view of television. I said a few things about his viewing habits which were non-complimentary, and gave him my opinion about some TV shows. He seems to feel that, when writing an opinion, one must point out that other opinions are also valid. As if any sentient being doesn't already realize that fact. Here's a test. I am going to write two short opinions, one in my style, and one in his.
"The West Wing" is the best show on TV, and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sucks.
"The West Wing" is the best show on TV, and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sucks. Of course, you have every right to disagree with me, because my opinion is only my opinion. If you think "Buffy" is a good show, that is OK, and I would never think less of you for watching it. In fact, "Buffy" might be a good show. Just because I don't like it doesn't make it bad. It's just my opinion. Everyone is different, and I have no right to tell you that your TV show sucks. So instead, I will say that I don't like "Buffy," but it is OK if you do. And just because I like "West Wing" doesn't mean you will. Really, it probably isn't that good of a show, but I kinda like it.
Now, which opinion would you rather read, and which gives you a better idea of how I feel about "Buffy" and "West Wing?"
We have been taught to dilute our arguments by qualifying them with "It's only my opinion, but..." Of course it's your opinion. I figured that out from the fact that you are saying it. Besides Dennis Miller, no one really needs to point out what they are saying is their opinion. It is implied. Truth is, I haven't typed truth in 3 years, long before I started this website.
It irks me to no end when people start a sentence with "I'm sorry, but..." Don't apologize for your opinion, people. If you feel the need to apologize for your opinion, reevaluate your opinion. We are too soft with people. You will be offended in this world. The judge of a person is how well they deal with that which offends them. Do they take it and agree to disagree, maybe even telling their side and attempting to persuade, or do they pout and whine about people not agreeing with them? One is good. One is bad. You figure out which. Some people just don't want to hear a differing opinion.
Example: A friend in my Skills class was complaining about how my former newspaper, The Reporter sucks.
"Why is that?" I asked. "Because of our incredibly liberal bias?"
"I just never agreed with any of the opinions," she said. "Everyone is all pro-sex and drinking and the stuff I'm against."
"Why didn't you write for the paper," I said, adding "We had several hard-line conservatives for a while."
"Oh, they wouldn't have let me write, because I don't agree with their liberal veiws, and I wouldn't have gotten along with any of them."
I pointed out that I was one of the Godless Liberals that wrote for the paper, and then we were interrupted.
She would, under no circumstances, read a paper that had differing veiws. What better way to learn about the world than by hearing things you don't agree with. I do it every day, listening to Right-Wing talk radio (talk about that Liberal Media Bias) to hear the other sides of arguments. Sometimes I, Eris help me, find myself agreeing with them. Not often, mind you, and usually I agree with the problem, but not the solution, but at least I listen. Open yourself to different views, and you will be surprised what you learn.
If I ever turn out like these people, unable to even hear a dissenting opinion, I want you to kill me.
Wait, no. No more death pacts.
Most of this doesn't apply to the fellow I was talking about earlier. I like a lot of his writing, and The Christymonster says he's a good guy, but I got on a roll and didn't want to stop. See, my Law Enforcement compatriots aren't good for creativity. I don't know why, but they just don't have the range of thought to stimulate my fanciful side. I spent a weekend away from LE training with my old-school friends, and my creative juices have been flowing.
Unfortunately, those are the only juices flowing. I have lost the will to masturbate. (If you just said "Too Much Information," go find some radioactive material and play with it. There is no such thing as too much information.) I don't know if this is due to exaustion, or maybe that lack of creativity, but it is a little frightening. If you know me, you know masturbation is a Top 5 passtime for me, especially when I'm single. So I'm thinking this could mean a serious emotional problem on my part. It has me a little scared. At least those kittens are safe. But for how long?
Speaking of kittens, is it wrong to find the idea of a kitten being raped undyingly funny? Yeah, that's what I thought.
I'm Ken Feucht, and that's just, like, your opinion, man. (c. The Dude)