As anyone who has read this blog knows, I’ve got some very strong opinions. I’ve been that way for a long time, ever since I discovered around junior high school or so that my interests didn’t line up with what was popular at the time. This has continued into the present day, and obviously given birth to this blog.

While I’m certainly entitled to my own opinions, I’ve always had to walk a very fine line when expressing them. Humans are selfish creatures, and by default, when someone expresses a opinion counter to your own, you take a bit of personal offense. In most cases, we have no problem ignoring that little offense almost immediately, as we know the other party isn’t trying to offend unless they specifically frame their argument that way. (e.g., “You suck because you like GoBots!”) But, some people can’t manage that. Since my likes and dislikes tend to run against the grain, I’m facing an uphill battle every time I speak. This also manifests itself in the form of my being shunned from and insulted by groups I formerly identified with, such as some nerd circles. Hell, even this blog has been the target of criticism, simply because I’m expressing my opinion through it!

When I’m asked for my opinion on any subject, I take a moment to frame my thoughts as carefully and factually as possible before letting them fall out of my mouth. However, it often doesn’t seem to make much difference; they’re often met with the ol’ rolleyes look. I’m sometimes met with angry retorts, simply because I might disagree with others. In fact, disagreeing sometimes results in my being accused of being “arrogant.” This is excessively frustrating to me, as I form my opinions based on facts and personal experience, not presumption of being “better” than other people! I’m sure I’ve had my moments where I’ve sounded arrogant; that happens to everyone. But I strive not to be that way; as I said, I’ll back up my arguments with facts whenever possible, and personal experience otherwise. I’m not going to just pull an opinion out of my ass. In extreme circumstances, I’ll sometimes water down or censor my own damned opinion. That’s something no one should ever have to do, yet I sometimes feel forced to.

I’m stuck between a rock and hard place. If asked for my opinion, I’ll give it…but then people don’t like it, and I’m shit on as a result! I suppose one solution is just to deflect the conversation or keep it as brief as possible, much like I’ve done when asked about my music. The point is that I shouldn’t have to do that in the first place.