When you are online, it doesn’t take too long to realize that the internet has given people the false sense that they are experts in a number of fields. Whether it is through posts on social media sites, reviews for products at online stores or comments on news stories, many people believe that they are self-taught experts whenever they communicate.
Part of the reasoning behind people’s belief that they are experts likely comes down to they want justification that what they think, feel or bought is right or the best, and so they will talk up their position to that end. They don’t want to hold a position and then find out their position is wrong. They don’t want to buy a product and then find out they got what we paid for. So, instead of acknowledging that a position may not be as black and white as originally thought, or that those headphones that cost the same as a few Starbucks drinks are poorly constructed and sound like they cost ten dollars, people talk up their position to what seems like limitless ends.
In regards to beliefs, the George W. Bush-esque “either you’re with us or against us” tends to be the rallying cry of many, who then will draw lines in the sand, that may or may not be necessary. And once those lines are drawn, those on either side feel it necessary to stand their ground and fight for their position at all cost. After all, many feel that if they change their mind then what they say no longer will be taken seriously. In other words, they view fluidity in any position or opinion to be a shot at their integrity and character.
Maybe it is time for people to stand up and say “I don’t know it all, I’m not an expert, and I’m OK with that.” Will that happen? Probably not! There may be a small remnant willing to be honest, but most people are not comfortable revealing their vulnerabilities. So, as time passes more people will draw the line in the sand over issues and positions they won’t remember years later, more people will look back at the Bob Doles and Howard Deans that they voted for asking themselves what they were thinking, and more people, who are buying ten dollar headphones online, will claim that they bought these to add to their fictitious collection of three hundred dollars headphones—which, of course, don’t sound as good as their new purchase.
About Me
- RvL
- I’m from New York but my driver’s license lists that my address is Ohio. My passport has a number of stamps in it. I’m the youngest of six, yet oldest son. I have a number after my initials, but not my name. I like music. I like coffee, beer and bourbon. I am a follower of Jesus. I watch bonus features on DVD’s. For four months each year my wife and I are the same age. “I pledge allegiance to a country without borders, without politicians.” I am an ordained pastor, but don't currently have a church. I’ve eaten raw horse meat. I’m fifteen inches taller than my wife, but I look up to her. I still prefer buying CDs to downloading music. I’m a night owl, who doesn’t mind getting up early. I like to play games. I moved to another country nine days after my wedding. I sometimes quote random lyrics. I believe in miracles. I prefer desktops to laptops. I like listening to audio books. I watch Buffalo Bills and Sabres games. I have five sons. I'm living life mid sentence.
