Yes, there is a big difference. Everyone has their opinions. But exactly defines people as opinionated or open-minded?
Why are some people so violently overbearing? It could simply be attributed to their individual personality, but that's not the end of it. Lack of education and ignorance (not always the same thing) are major factors in bigotedness and intolerance to others. When I was in middle school, I proudly called myself opinionated. Now that past fact embarrasses me. I firmly think that one of the biggests parts of a bigoted viewpoint is immaturity. Most opinionated people hold another thing in common - they don't back up their opinions well, if at all. When you learn more of the facts about the subject you have such a strong opinion on, most of the time it becomes easier to be tolerant and more relaxed about what you believe in. Besides, just because someone disagrees with you doesn't mean that you are going to lose your opinion. So don't be so quick to attack and react calmly when an opinionated person attacks you.
It's possible to be openminded without losing your mind. It's possible to read what someone has to say and appreciate their logic and emotion and respect their right to say and believe it, even if you think it's wrong. I'm not saying don't debate, or don't state your differing (and well thought out) opinion, but I am saying don't argue so aggressively. Don't pick at people and bring them down, please. Learn to respect and tolerate other people, and hopefully learn to appreciate them even if they don't think like you do.
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