The practice of forming opinions before hearing all sides of the argument is common today. Media is fast-paced, and people seem to take the first thing they hear as their opinion. This is especially the case for those who listen to an agenda-based news network such as CNN or Fox News. This mindset needs to stop as citizens need to know both sides of the argument and all facts before creating their own opinions. The recent Yeti-National Rifle Association fiasco is a perfect example of this.
On Sunday, the NRA came out with a statement that the company Yeti, known for their outdoor premium coolers and conservation efforts, was ending business with the NRA. The NRA blasted Yeti over this issue, and many NRA supporters wanted to boycott Yeti. In fact, some went all out and blew up their Yeti coolers as a form of protest. The boycotters thought that they were in the right, and to an extent, they were at the time. However, more information came out and this quickness to judge turned out to be the root of the problem.
The boycott began before Yeti even gave its side of the argument. On Tuesday, Yeti came out with a statement. The company claimed that the NRA was misinterpreting the message and that they were not cutting all ties. Instead, they were dropping a “group of outdated discounting programs” that the NRA was under. Furthermore, the company came out to rebut the claims that it was dropping conservation efforts and its support of the Second Amendment.
Maybe the boycotters who blew up the coolers now regret it having heard Yeti’s side. Maybe the are still okay with it since Yeti did cut some deals with the NRA. Or maybe they aren’t sure of what they think yet.
All these possibilities are okay since all information has been distributed for the people to hear. Now, it would be okay to form an opinion on the situation and choose to continue buying or boycott Yeti. Deciding before Yeti’s statement was premature.
This example ties back to the point of acquiring all information before forming an opinion. Whether it would be an opinion on something big or small, this theme of jumping the gun has hurt our society. No longer should this practice be encouraged and the practice of being patient and knowledgeable should be instilled instead. It’s far too easy to simply to join a misinformed collective opinion. Take the time to educate yourself and understand.