Everyone has their own opinions. From the time you were a little kid, you have been developing your own opinions about various topics, people, items, and places. Opinions often change over time and can vary between people (no two people are exactly the same when it comes to forming opinions).
And, because we are human, we love for our opinions to be heard (and even better to be validated), and some people want to be heard more than others. Some people keep quiet, while some love to show how opinionated they are by debating with people (most of the time complete strangers) on social media (I myself am extremely guilty of this). Even though we all have varying opinions, there is still a difference between opinions and just being downright hateful towards others.
I was reading an article that News Channel 5 shared on Facebook about a Muslim woman running for public office. If she were to win (the election is currently in her favor). She would be the first Muslim woman elected to Congress. Before actually looking at the comments on the article, I already had an idea of what they would look like.
Tennesseans (along with a lot of other people from the south) have this weird fear of Muslim people holding public office (as if it isn't their right to run for and hold a position in Congress). I know not all Tennesseans are like that, but a scary amount of people believe that a Muslim woman running for office meant that she was trying to enforce "Sharia law". Scrolling through the comments, I was appalled at how many xenophobic comments I read. Was I surprised? No. Because people like to spew hatred, and then try to claim it's "their opinion" or "first amendment right". No, you're just being rude.
The same stuff happens with topics like abortion or gay marriage. People throw in their two cents about these things when it doesn't even personally affect them. If a man wants to love another man, how does that affect you? Why feel the need to use your "opinion" as a way to shame someone for living their life and doing what makes them happy? When you use your "opinion" to degrade, ridicule, or hurt someone, is that even considered "opinionated" anymore? The answer is no, you're being hateful.
Instead of being hateful, it's easier to just mind your own business and move along. You're entitled to your own opinion, but you're not entitled to push your opinion on someone else. Life is so much easier when you don't spend your time tearing others down. Don't like gay people? Mind your business, they don't need you telling them that you dislike them. Don't like transgender people? Mind your business, they're doing what makes them happy.
Don't like abortion? Mind your business, you don't know everyone's situation. We only have one life, so don't spend yours trying to control another person's. Move on, keep your opinions to yourself, and be happy!
