“Yeah, well, you know, that’s just like, uh, your opinion, man.”
Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski
These days, we hear expressions like “fake news” and “alternative facts,” but what do people really mean when they say these things? It seems that a lot of what people call “fake” news is really just news they don’t like, and “alternative” facts are not necessarily facts, but alternative opinions of what the person wished were the case. As people argue what is and isn’t fake about the news we receive, it seems as though the bigger point that needs attention is helping people understand the difference between objective facts and subjective opinions. For example, something isn’t fake simply because you don’t like it, and just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean you should dream up some alternative that you call a “fact.”
Understanding objective and subjective information
It is important to first define terms before providing examples of objective and subjective perspectives. When we make an objective comment, the claim can be confirmed or assumed independently of any minds, and means evaluating situations, data, or information based on facts and verifiable evidence rather than personal feelings, biases, or opinions. Examples of objective statements include:
- It is 56 degrees outside.
- The Tigers beat the Bears 35-14.
- A student received an 85% on the math exam.
- The new car just parked in the dealership showroom is painted navy blue with an off-white color leather interior.
As you can see from the examples above, it’s “just the facts” when it comes to objective reporting. Now, let’s take the same 4 examples and offer a subjective opinion based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions:
- It’s 56, but it feels really chilly today.
- The Tigers won yesterday, but that’s only because the Bears had so many injuries.
- A student got an 85% on the test because the teacher is super-easy.
- That car in the showroom is the ugliest shade of blue I have ever seen! And the interior is even uglier! Who in the world would ever buy that car?!
These days, we see a lot of people mix objective and subjective statements, turning facts into opinions, and opinions into facts. For each of the subjective opinions we could have gone in various different directions (i.e. 56 degrees is cold, warm, hot, annoying, exciting, etc.), but with objective observations what you see is what is there is (i.e. it’s 56 degrees outside, whether you like it or hate it).
The next time you hear objective news that you don’t like (i.e. someone you know lost a school board election), you are welcome to offer a subjective opinion about the news, but try to refrain from calling what you don’t like as “fake.” Instead, first recognize the objective news (someone you know lost the election), and then, if you want, offer a subjective opinion about the news (“I know him, and he would have been a real asset to the board. Unfortunately, he lost.”). These kinds of exchanges allow for a common denominator to be established (the results), leaving plenty of room for subjective discussion to follow (he would have been the best board member had he won!). This type of communication is healthy and allows room for varying opinions, but is based on objective reality that people can verify without bias.
Final thoughts
It is important that we not blur the lines when it comes to objective and subjective views of information — and the good news is there is room for both! You can accept that your team lost a game, and still have an opinion as to why they lost. You can accept a grade on a test, and freely offer your thoughts on the quality of the instructor. When we fail to acknowledge facts (objective evidence), we lose the opportunity to begin discussion around a central, agreed upon piece of evidence that allows for differences of opinion. Bypassing truth, however, immediately sends us to subjective arguments without a place of consensus, making it near-impossible for fruitful discussion and future growth.
drstankovich.com
