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The Dangers of Having an Opinion in the 21st Century

We all have them, so what makes one more correct than the other?

By KaciePublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Picture from https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/are-our-opinions-influenced

Dear Vocal Readers,

Oh, opinions, they are something literally everyone who occupies this planet owns. Lately I have been reflecting on the state of our world. When I look at the issues going on around us, I see so much hatred and division. But when it boils down to it, aren't all of our issues simply caused by our differing opinions?

Think about it, racism would never be an issue if people didn't have the opinion that other races were inferior. Women would have the right to choose what happens to their own bodies if others didn't think they had the right to take it away. Families wouldn't be in concentration camps if they were considered equals. All of the world's major issues come down to the difference in our opinions. But today I'm not here to talk about these major issues, because that is something I don't believe I can speak on. If I were to discuss these issues, my own opinions would come out, and make the reflection biased. This is not to try to push my own agenda onto others, it is simply to show people how dangerous their opinions can be nowadays, and how seriously they can be taken.

In this article I will be addressing opinions that relate to things like pop culture. We have a "Cancel Culture" in our day and age that is nothing but toxic. If someone says one thing that is labeled by others to be insensitive, they are "canceled." Take an example like James Charles who had his name slandered, and experienced a gigantic drop in followers, all before he even had the chance to clear his name. Then there are those like Cody Ko, a comedian that fellow Youtuber Jake Paul was trying to "cancel," because of his belief that Cody was a cyberbully. But who is Jake Paul to decide that Cody is a cyberbully, especially with his own reputation. Who is it in our society that can deem an opinion correct or not?

Cody Ko (left) with Jake Paul (right)

Picture from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWE_k9EBFvg

From my perspective, I would say that whoever has the majority is deemed to have the "right" opinion. If you checked out my recent article about the dangers of being a writer in the 21st Century, you would see how sensitive things have become. If you aren't progressive there's something wrong with you. Take the horrible view people have of Republicans as proof of this. There are many Republicans who do not hate gay people or hate immigrants. However, it seems as though we have labeled all Republicans as hateful, racist, and out of the times. In this case, the opinion of the few represent the opinion of the many. People have become disapproving of other viewpoints, and in-turn people are "canceled."

Just recently I was shocked by another example. In the past few days some of the cast of the new Little Mermaid has been released. It has come out that the new Ariel will be played by a black actress. No matter what your opinion on this matter is, those are the facts of the situation. One social media influencer who has even modeled her career after her love for Ariel had a very strong opinion on this. She made it clear that this decision upset her, claiming that she just wanted Ariel to be a natural redhead. She had explained how she herself grew up as a redhead, and looked to Ariel for inspiration. People then took this way out of context and labeled her as racist. Even though she had only been upset about the iconic hair color, people took to social media to "cancel" her. In today's society people aren't allowed to be upset over an original character's hair color changing without getting hate. I didn't see as many people upset when Scarlett Johansson, a clearly white actress, was cast in the role of an Asian woman. We pick and choose what opinions are acceptable, and if you aren't with the majority you will be sure to hear about it.

Scarlett Johansonn as originally Asian character, Major, in the film 'Ghost in the Shell'

Picture from https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/9/14559866/ghost-in-the-shell-scarlett-johansson-whitewashing

This mentality we carry with us is extremely dangerous. In a world so focused on the right to have freedom of speech, why does it seem as though we are allowed to persecute others who exercise it? We are all unique in our own ways, and are allowed to have our own opinions. But with today's "Cancel Culture" are we really even permitted to share our thoughts anymore? You can say an opinion that may be unpopular, but if you do, you need to expect that you will face major consequences for it. I challenge people to speak their minds in this world that wishes to keep different feelings locked away. Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions, because you, more than likely, are thinking the same way that many others are, who are too afraid to speak up.

Sincerely from my own very opinionated mind,

Kacie

humanity
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About the Creator

Kacie

Just an aspiring writer trying to gain experience :)

Follow my adorable kitties on Instagram and Tiktok @joethehoe.finnforthewin <3

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