Beliefs

            We use the phrase “I believe” in our writing due to the fact that no one wants to produce something that is false. If you say something is true when in reality it is not, it makes you as the author look bad and lose credibility. However, by using “I believe” it provides a little insurance and wiggle room for your writing. By using it, you are saying that your words are just your opinion, and basically stating that what you’re saying could be wrong. While this provides a great deal of comfort and a safety blanket, it is not at all a good idea or a good tactic to use within your writing. The main reason for this, of course, is because it makes you look very weak as a writer. To persuade anyone and get your point across, you must be able to take strong stances and use firm opinions. By using “I believe”, you are essentially weakening the argument before it’s even made. By saying “I believe” you are in all actuality telling your audience that you do not believe enough in your argument to simply state it as fact. It is a cop out and should never be used when trying to prove a point or win an argument. It is much more persuasive to use things stated as facts rather than your own opinions or beliefs, and to do otherwise is only putting yourself at a disadvantage and in a hole before you’ve even begun to make the argument.

            In my own life, one of my most firm beliefs is equality. I believe that every person, no matter what sets them apart from all others, deserves a chance. Every single human being should be treated well and shown respect. No matter what gender, color, culture, religion, or anything else, every single person has a right to be treated equally. Equality is something that is very relevant in today’s society which is riddled with slander and prejudice. We have obviously come a long way overall, but still have a very long way to go. While this has not been an issue I have had to deal with on a personal level, I identify it as something that I believe very strongly in. I am a firm believer in the fact that every person is created equally and should be afforded the same opportunities. No one is better than anyone else, and people need to start taking that into account and acting that way. With this knowledge, maybe we will one day be able to eliminate hateful words such as “gay” or “retard” out of everyone’s vocabularies and become a better, more caring place to live.