Internet opinions: just because you have one does not make it valid

Deal with it: The effectiveness of a phone call: being more direct

Forbes recently released an article titled “20 Things 20-Year-Olds Don’t Get.” Among some generic complaints about our generation’s undeserved sense of entitlement, lack of productivity and failure to display effort was the observation that we, “millennials,” are scared to use the phone. Forbes claims, “Business gets done on the phone and in person. It should be your first instinct, not last, to talk to a real person and source business opportunities.” I could not agree more.
I suppose I should clarify that “using the phone” does not mean operating a mobile device for texting, emailing, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and— crowd favorite—Tinder. Of these forms of communication, I have supreme confidence in our generation’s ability. I am arguing that we actively avoid a real conversation, on the phone or in person, and instead prefer to hide behind keyboards. And we will suffer professionally as a result.
The phone is efficient. When something needs to be known or discussed, there is no faster or more effective means than an actual call. No waiting for typing, typos or fat fingers, just instant dialogue and easy clarification. Text-based channels certainly still have their place and advantages. Now, however, the email only has to display critical information without the clutter from drawn-out explanations.

Deal with it: Multi-billion dollar deal? Hold my beer!

People are always looking to justify their alcohol consumption: “It’s heart-healthy,” they say. “But my doctor said in moderation…” “It’s just one beer/glass/handle.” “I have to hydrate somehow!” Let’s be honest, we all know the purported health benefits of alcohol are complete nonsense. If you think this is about to turn into a pro-sobriety rant, relax and take another sip of your Friday Thorne-brunch mimosa. I am here to argue that alcohol and social drinking have, and will continue to be, essential to the functioning of both the business and political worlds.
I have written previously that business deals are built on personal relationships and that facilitating and creating these connections is key to success. I stand by this and, bear with me here, submit that social scenarios are what really build these relationships. If college has taught us anything, it is that alcohol is a popular compliment to (and often the focus of) these social situations.
JSTOR has a shocking number of studies (more than zero) regarding the effect of alcohol on groups of professionals. One article cites how certain cultures create trust through drinking rituals. The Chinese commonly begin professional drinks with a toast to friendship, dual prosperity and the like, and finish with the phrase “ganbei”—or “bottoms up.”

Deal with it

Internet opinions: just because you have one does not make it valid

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Will Powers

Columnist

October 3, 2013

Lolcats, Bubble Spinner, Dolphin Olympics, Epic Fails and universal mockery of the formerly respected, activist turned streaker “Kony 2012” orchestrator, Joseph Russell. The Internet has allowed for the creation and distribution of an amazing variety of unique and, well, “culturally significant” materials.

On a less important note, the Internet has also made it so that any and all opinions, thoughts, mentalities, treatises and, of course, rants can be broadly and instantaneously shared.

While exposure to a diverse range of views can be eye-opening, most of these views, frankly, are worthless conjectures.

But fear not! Anything can be defended on the Internet by concluding a statement with a simple “but that’s just my opinion.”

This false justification needs to stop. While you have a right to your opinion, you most certainly do not have the right to having your view respected. Nothing is above criticism.

To further burst the collective bubble, all opinions are not created equal. The amount of respect an idea deserves is a function of its basis in evidence and logic, as well as the background and qualifications of the one who proposes it. Both of these—reason and reputation—are essential to achieve the highest level of legitimacy. To illustrate, let us examine a possible scenario.

You are diagnosed with a life threatening disease. A man with no credentials approaches you on the street and, in complex and accurate biological terms, explains a reasonable means by which you could be cured. While his opinion might be entirely sound and offer the best way back to health, you would still be hesitant to heed his advice due to his lack of formal medical authority.

On the opposing front, if you consulted a well-regarded doctor and he prescribed pulls of Senator’s Club whiskey and corndogs, you might be equally averse to this opinion, which—while from a trusted source—is not grounded in science or logic. Thus, the combination of sensibility and relevant background are critical to the most legitimate opinions.

Some opinions (again, on the Internet) take the argument a step too far in asserting that other people are not at all entitled to their own views.

This is ridiculous and echoes a Big Brother mentality. Who am I to say you are not allowed to believe in the 10 days of Ivies? You, however, should not expect others to readily accept your position on this revered Bowdoin tradition.

It is not the job of others to try and understand or rationalize your opinion. Do not pout and feel wronged if others ridicule your stance. Have reason for your beliefs, articulate them, stop caring what others think and understand that some will always oppose you.

I would like to conclude with a disclaimer that I understand the irony of an Opinion writer bashing the expression of opinions. I intend this piece, however, to be a focused critique on people’s complacency with unsubstantiated viewpoints.

Not every opinion is of equal merit. You may dismiss my points, find my rationale unconvincing and ultimately disagree with my opinion, and that is fine.

I do not demand external approval of my own view, but I certainly did not leave it undefended.

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