Yes, I realize that's a pretty incendiary sort of statement.
But if you pause and think about it, it's both "true" and "not true," at the same time. And just to be perfectly clear, I include myself in that category.
Of course, not everyone is a "douchebag."
And this isn't about judging or labeling anyone, it's about examining the inner truth of what we're doing here; in writing, in our families; in LIFE. And it's somewhat of a response to those who insist they are not opinionated or judgmental... because you probably are!
What We ARE...
Keeping this purely within the realm of writing, blogging and social media for a moment...
An opinionated daffodil
Unless we're purely sharing knitting instructions or recipes or something along those lines, we are sharing opinions. And even with the knitting and recipes... it's a good bet we still have a "subtext" that our suggested way is somehow "the best" or "the tastiest" or something.
That's an opinion.
Thing is — as writers and bloggers — that what we ARE is a bunch of people with what often amounts to strong opinions, and voices we insist should not only be heard, but but should be regarded as "the truth." We enjoy the relative freedom of an essentially uncensored venue like Steemit because we get to speak our minds.
It can be a double-edged sword, however.
When you have "the freedom to speak freely," it also tends to mean that you have the freedom to speak freely. Speaking freely, saying our piece, without filters.
But when we speak without filters, and just "say what we gotta say" without any regard for others... is that truly what freedom is? And-- by extension-- is this where we cross over into simply becoming "douchebags with an opinion?" And if the conditions we place on characterizing our freedom somehow gets in the way of someone else's interpretation of freedom... then what?
How Facebook is Often Farcebook
I don't visit Facebook very often, anymore. I use it periodically to share photos and updates with friends back in Europe, and I use it as a promotional tool for me eBay stores.
Pink Oleander, Spain
But to an alarmingly large number of people, it almost seems like an "invitation" to rant about stuff... and then get all butthurt when everyone doesn't think your opinions are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
And I guess that's really the core of why I am writing these words: If you want the freedom to be someone "with an opinion" and you choose to express that opinion in any kind of open forum — Steemit, social media, or your external blog — why on earth would you believe there are not going to be questioning or opposing opinions? And — moreover — why should YOU have the right to speak freely, but someone who disagrees with you should be either "silenced" or "shown the error of their ways?"
This is where we start the approach to the aforementioned "douchebag" category, at least in my opinion. A debate in which only one side gets to have their opinion is NOT a "debate."
It's also what made it quite easy for me to largely abandon Facebook, back in January of 2017: All these people who would spout some (usually political, sometimes religious) opinion and then there would almost immediately be abusive language, blocking and "unfriending."
One of the great things about our community here is that debates tend to be far more courteous and respectful.
So don't be just another douchebag with a blog and an opinion!
What do YOU think? Do you find a lot of people just want to have their opinion, but they don't want you to have yours? Did you ever get unfriended on Facebook over your political or religious views? Or unfriended for asking about someone else's? Do YOU block/mute/unfriend those whose worldviews are different from your own? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- be part of the conversation!
created by @zord189
(As usual, all text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is original content, created expressly for Steemit)
Created at 180504 14:45 PDT