Op-Ed: Facts Are Often Wrong
Over the course of the past few years, and I’ve noticed it in this 2016 election cycle in particular, America has become obsessed with fact-checking — to the point where many Americans have been criticized for having “wrong” opinions. I fundamentally disagree with the idea that an opinion can be wrong. Sure, you can find facts to successfully dismantle an ostensibly fact-based observation that’s actually an opinion, but it’s still my opinion. And, like the first amendment says, my opinion is never wrong.
For example, I fundamentally disagree with the idea that climate change is happening; and that’s okay. Why? You guessed it! Because that’s my opinion, and I’m entitled to believe what I want. Lots of studies have shown that when a fact contradicts a personal opinion, the personal opinion takes precedence. Therefore, the fact is wrong. Like I (and the Founding Fathers) have said for years, opinions are never wrong. And it’s kind of hurtful when you disagree with my opinions, because I know I’m right, but you’re still insulting my intellect by saying that my opinion is wrong.
Another example: Why am I constantly attacked for my opinion that elephants are actually creative combinations of small Chinese children? People say that my opinion has been “disproven by science” and “anatomy” but not to me!
On that same note, why do people get disgruntled when I tell my son that after puberty, his penis will grow into a nice warm winter sweater during January when it gets cold? I firmly believe that it will, so who are you to contradict me with these “scientific observations” or “facts”? Might I remind you that in 2016, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Smith et al. did a study, and they concluded opinions are always correct.
I know this information may be shocking to some of you. All I ask is that you remember, especially during this 2016 election cycle, to recognize the superiority of opinions over facts. The world is already too crazy for us to start prioritizing “knowledge” over personal belief. That would be insane.
