Before becoming one of the opinion editors at the Daily Trojan, I lacked an understanding of the impact this section holds. But, as I have learned throughout the semester, and if the opinion inbox is any indication, opinions are quite reactionary. They propel our conversations and live in the public consciousness.

Opinions are scientific feats, a product of our evolution as humans. Marc Hauser, a former professor of psychology at Harvard said in an interview with the Harvard Gazette that “Animals have interesting thoughts, but the only way they can convey them is by grunts, shrieks, and other vocalizations, and by gestures.” 

While there is evidence that animals may think or hold beliefs, they are confined to temporary mediums of expressing themselves. As humans, we not only wield the power of speech, but we also, very literally, hold the permanent tools of pen and paper. Though a cheesy cliche, these two elements separate us from every other species on this planet. 

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We have the opportunity to not only hold opinions, but the ability to share them with the world. The New York Times recently surpassed 2 million international subscribers — 2 million individuals with access to an American opinion section, despite being halfway across the globe. 

While this number is exciting, it is also dangerous and quite scary. 

Opinions hold power — they anger, ignite passions and create opinions of opinions. They function as dominoes at times, sparking dialogue after dialogue, which is why thoughtful opinion writing matters. 

In an article published by the Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Wisconsin, Sewell Chan, the former editorial page editor of the Los Angeles Times, defined opinion writing as writing that “takes into account the complexity and ambiguity of all human affairs; that is empathetic toward people who disagree, and that truly adds insight and perspective.” Simply put, an opinion invites conversation rather than discouraging it. 

While discourse is inherent to opinion writing, healthy dialogue is difficult to achieve. It requires us to stray away from cognitive dissonance, a trait likely passed down as an adaptive mechanism found in our evolutionary history. This phenomenon manifests as “the state of discomfort felt when two or more modes of thought contradict each other,” according to Psychology Today. 

In the past, this may have functioned as our first line of defense, sending out warning signals to the brain in times of upheaval and keeping us safe from the aversive consequences of dissonant cognitions. These days, it can be exhibited through our hesitancy to consider opinions that disagree with our preconceived notions. 

We jump to conclusions quickly, disregarding opinions that may hold value. Whether we agree with an opinion or not, there is always something to be learned. 

My time as an opinion editor has exposed me to the diversity of individual perspectives, as well as the ways in which we can and should engage with opinions foreign or contradictory to our beliefs. Cognitive dissonance was not a concept I largely gave time to before editing this section. But as I found myself seeking out similar works in other publications, I realized that there is a degree of vulnerability when it comes to this form of writing. 

I began to consider the humanity of the person behind the opinion, shaking the foundations of my cognitive dissonance. Hard-headed disagreement is an easy feat to accomplish, but throughout this semester I have realized that thoughtful disagreement is a skill worth acquiring.

From both ends, the opinion writer and the opinion reader must approach each other with empathy and a respect for those who will inevitably disagree. An opinion is meant to convey a singular perspective, one that may resonate for some and strike a discordant cord with others. But at the end of the day, our agreements, as well as disagreements, teach us important lessons. 

Reading someone else’s opinions makes us consider why we hold certain beliefs, how we can qualify or challenge them as well as examine a larger picture. The opinion writer and the opinion reader are not and should not be perceived as two fighters in a boxing match, violently attacking one another. Rather, they hold a mutualistic symbiotic relationship, where both organisms benefit from their interactions. 

In nature, honey bees and flowers benefit from one another. In our human bubble, the opinion writer releases their piece into the world. The opinion reader reacts to it, providing their thoughts on the matter. The opinion writer considers the reactions. They write once more, articulating their thoughts more precisely, whether it be regarding the same or a different topic. The reader obtains a copy. Rinse, repeat. 

Regardless of whether the comparison is far-fetched, it is clear that the opinion writer without the opinion reader is nonexistent. This relationship should be perceived as such — as one demanding respect and cordiality from both ends, especially when they largely rely on one another.

This semester has taught me that opinions are part of human nature. We simply cannot exist without them. They follow us everywhere, whether they are confined to the page or spoken aloud. 

We cannot escape the reach of opinions, nor should we strive to. They teach us how to grow within ourselves and outside of our limited worldviews, but more than anything, they urge us to listen. 

Sharing an opinion can be daunting, even if it is trivial. But seeing as they assume a part of our daily existence, a productive culture of approaching dialogues with empathy, reasonability and kindness is an ideal we can work toward and strive for. 

Whether it be on the page or in our everyday conversations, opinions drive us forward, provoke our thoughts and turn our gears. From an evolutionary standpoint, our ability to communicate to this degree is quite a phenomenal feat. And at the very least, acknowledging the science behind this process can serve as a reminder to not take opinions for granted, even if they spark disagreement. 

“Editors’ Epilogue” is a rotating column featuring a different Daily Trojan editor in each installment writing about their personal experiences. Solange Aguero is a senior majoring in English as well as narrative studies and is an opinion editor at the Daily Trojan.