SOLSC 28: Opinions

             I like to take surveys. It’s probably a weakness, since it can take time that would be better spent reading or writing. Somehow, I have in the back of my mind that answering survey questions will tell *me* something about myself I didn't know. 

             Some surveys are useful, however. The National Institutes of Environmental Health have been conducting a long-term study of the sisters of women who’ve died from breast cancer, and since my younger sister died 10 years ago from her third bout with breast cancer, I’ve been filling out regular surveys for the Sister Study. They send me a link, I do it online, and it’s easily done.

            There’s also an organization called YouGov, which often does surveys of political opinion, and I always want to be included in those.

            So today, I finished the Sister Study survey, and there in my e-mail was a YouGov survey waiting for my input. Ok, I’ll bite. This one was mostly about technology (what are the numerous ways to listen to music do I use? how many technology devices do I have? If I have a television, how many in the household?—only one, thank you.)

            Then there were a few questions on topics in the news. And here’s what they were really after:

“On stage at the Academy Awards, comedian Chris Rock made a joke at the expense of Jada Pinkett Smith. Her husband Will Smith responded by walking on stage and hitting Chris Rock. Do you think Smith’s actions were or were not acceptable?”

            Did you watch the Oscars? I did. I saw that confrontation. I saw the camera on Pinkett Smith’s face, and she was upset. I saw the couple of minutes when the producers turned off the sound, but if you could read lips it was pretty obvious what curse words Will Smith was hurling at Chris Rock. (What we only learned in the news later is that Pinkett Smith has alopecia, which causes one to lose all bodily hair. Did Chris Rock even know that?)

            Of course, I said Smith’s actions were not acceptable. And of course, he did apologize after winning Best Actor. And for topics in the news, is this the most important one to be asking our opinions about?

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I’m participating in the 15th annual Slice of Life Challenge over at Two Writing Teachers. This is day 28 of the 31-day challenge.  It’s not too late to make space for daily writing in a community that is encouraging, enthusiastic, and eager to read what you have to slice about.  Join in!