I'm entitled to my opinion

This is to re-post this good article to read from Facebook page Thinking Is Power.

DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION: It is true that everyone is (legally) entitled to their opinion. However, “I’m entitled to my opinion,” is often used to shield an unsupported position. And being entitled to your opinion doesn’t mean you’re right, or that anyone needs to take your opinion seriously.

There are several problems with this fallacy. 

1. An opinion doesn’t mean what they think it means. Opinions are subjective judgements or viewpoints. When someone claims they are “entitled to their opinion,” it’s often because they are trying to shield factually incorrect assertions.  

2. All opinions aren’t equal. Expert opinions are interpretations of evidence based on years of study and experience, and are significantly more robust and reliable than non-expert opinions. “I’m entitled to my opinion” suggests that their opinion is just as good as anyone else’s.

3. We should all be open to changing our minds if the evidence suggests we should. “I’m entitled to my opinion” is essentially an admission that they can’t justify their position… but yet they’re unwilling to entertain contradictory evidence or other points of view. 

In the face of facts that contradict a belief, especially one central to our identity or values, we use motivated reasoning to reduce the cognitive dissonance that arises when reality and our beliefs are in conflict. When that fails, our Get Out of Jail Free Card is to defend the belief by rendering it unfalsifiable and therefore immune to evidence. We move the goalposts. Discount sources or deny evidence. Proclaim that it’s our opinion.

It’s important to remember that the purpose of arguing isn’t to be right, it’s to get it right. “I’m entitled to my opinion” shuts down any further disagreement. We simply don’t want to be wrong.

HOW TO COUNTER: I tell my students on the first day of class that they are not entitled to their opinions. (At least not in class!) They are only entitled to what they can support with evidence. 

It’s a bit trickier in the “real world.” Remember that people are often unfamiliar with the basics of critical thinking, so they may not be used to having to support their positions with evidence. Consider explaining why “I’m entitled to my opinion” is fallacious, and the benefits of healthy disagreement. The best approach is probably to ask them why they hold this particular opinion, and why they think they’re “entitled” to it.

MORE ABOUT THIS AND OTHER FALLACIES: thinkingispower.com/logical-fallacies/

Support TIP on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/ThinkingIsPower

Scams in the local entertainment

I have been for so many various production companies. This is article is about my experience in the local entertainment industry. You name it: shorts, movies, series and shows.

How to spot scammers in the acting business? Let me provide you some tips.

1. Some productions collects payment. Just make sure you get official receipts the first time you pay. If not, that's a red flag. A legitimate acting workshop must be a business registered and that any money you pay should be issued an official receipts.
2. Others don't ask you to pay for anything and that's a pro-bono. It means there's no talent fee. That's fine for the sake of exposure to the public viewing. May it be on YouTube or Facebook. Just go for this. Change it to your experience.
3. Make sure that the production company you're thinking or planning to join has connections with people who are already in the industry. It is a must that the company should be able to produce a good set of setcards for your with a VTR and that you have a copy of these.
4. Since I have been for over  a year, make sure that they good camera not smartphones when shooting a scene for your project. Branded camera adds legitamcy of the production.
5. Regardless of gender or sex, if a talent scouts ask you to send nude photos, that's a no-no.

Having these things said, make sure to join Facebook groups about acting in the Philippines and do your research for these production companies. I have a list of them but I keep it a secret for me.

Downfall of Tagalog language in the Philippines

In June 2023, this Facebook page posted about Tagalog language. It is being the third most widely spoken language in three states in the USA. I posted comments about it on Facebook comment section similar to the screenshot below.

After few hours, out of nowhere, this person who claims intelligent lambasted my comment saying I am fool and being foolish. His name is Balon Hpesram, appears to be a kakampink. We exchanged comments until the latter resorted to maligning my person, calling me names. Which is abviously one of the toxic attitudes of being a Filipino. But some Filipinos remain professional when interacting online. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and people should learn how to respect and be so civil when disagreeing comments in social media.

On the other hand, Tagalog is bound to fall sooner or later. Why? Filipino including Panitkan subjects are no longer mandatory in colleges and universities in the Philippines. Hence, it is no longer required. After all, K to 12 education should be enough to equip students in their future careers! Another thing is teaching maters are not enough to continue teaching Filipino and Panitikan subjects.

Out sight, out of mind

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a hard time. Moving on can be challenging, but it's possible with some patience and self-care. Here are some tips that might help you:

Give yourself permission to feel sad. It's normal and healthy to grieve the loss of a relationship or a situation that mattered to you. Don't suppress your emotions or judge yourself for having them. Instead, acknowledge what you feel and find healthy ways to express it, such as writing, talking, or crying.



Reflect on the relationship realistically. Don't idealize the past or dwell on the negative aspects. Try to see the relationship as it was, with its strengths and weaknesses, and learn from the experience. Think about what you gained from it, what you learned about yourself and others, and what you want in the future².

Get closure by distancing yourself from your ex. If you're trying to move on from a romantic breakup, it's important to cut off contact with your ex until you're healed. This means unfollowing them on social media, deleting their number, and avoiding places where you might run into them. This will help you break the emotional attachment and focus on yourself¹.

Identify lessons you've learned that you can use in future relationships. Every relationship teaches us something valuable, even if it ends badly. Think about what you discovered about your needs, preferences, boundaries, and communication style. Use this knowledge to improve your relationship with yourself and others².

Keep yourself busy and do things you enjoy. Don't let your life revolve around your past. Find activities that make you happy and fulfilled, such as hobbies, sports, volunteering, or learning something new. These will help you boost your mood, distract yourself from negative thoughts, and build your confidence³.

Practice self-care and spend plenty of time with friends. Moving on can be stressful and exhausting, so make sure you take good care of yourself physically and mentally. Eat well, sleep enough, exercise regularly, and relax often. Surround yourself with supportive people who love you and make you laugh. Don't isolate yourself or bottle up your feelings³.

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Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/9/2023
(1) How To Move On When You Still Love Him: 15 Ways Move ... - Love Strategies.
(2) How to Move On: 15-Steps to Help You Feel Better Move On - PsychAlive.
(3) How to Move On: Letting Go & Moving Forward After a Breakup - wikiHow.
(4) 3 Ways to Move on in Life - wikiHow