You make excellent points there and you’re right – it’s an Opinion piece, it’s Education, it’s Awareness about a deeply troublesome social problem that affects real people – and on top of it all, it’s likely impossible to write anything without somebody saying, “You said it wrong.”
I believe, +Erik Boesen that critics should not define your subject matter. There are always critics. It’s likely the first cave painting had a critic peeing on it. [illustrated in Mel Brooks’ “History of the World Part 1” – worth watching btw if you haven’t].
So, expect critics. Listen to their opinions. But don’t let their opinions take over your opinions. You have a right to your opinions. Somebody will always find offense.
Plus, consider this: The fact the people are RESPONDING to it, means you did a VERY IMPORTANT THING:
YOU STARTED A DIALOGUE ABOUT THE TOPIC
They don’t have to agree with you. But you got them talking. THAT is the start of real change. You hit upon something powerful here. You may have even changed a mind or two.
You also have a right to change your mind of course as well. I’ve made proclamations boldly only to later go, “oops” but now I no longer say “oops” as much because the conversations I started resulted in gains far greater than someone thinking, “Oh Ken’s such a prick for having that opinions”.
Imagine someone else had written the piece instead of you.
The dialogue it because changes minds and hearts. Causes a few people to realize their bad behaviors and stop it. Taking it from an economic point of view, the gains far outweigh the risks.
A few critics will always show up. But a friend will forgive you. And also, remember this:
Some people are contrarian. I’m one. They will almost always take the opposite position, just because.
100% agreement is overrated anyway. 🙂
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