As I was scrolling through a list of stories on my news feed I came across an article titled: “Why Kamala Harris Can’t Be President”.

The article was from a legitimate news source, so I was a bit puzzled as to why it was even printed in the first place. 

Who gave it the OK?

The title alone suggests it would be an opinionated piece even if it contained facts to support its claim.

As I considered whether or not the story was worth reading, my eye landed on the word opinion…written in the small print. Seriously. The teeniest of type. 

Now don’t get me wrong, opinion pieces are great to read to get another perspective on an issue (when coupled with supporting facts). Especially if it isn’t aligned with a view you’ve heard before. You may not change your mind after reading it, but at least you have a better understanding of the logic behind an opposing viewpoint.

The problem with opinion pieces is that a person will read it, often overlooking the small printed word opinion, and use it as a supporting response to a debate. It’s presented as factual and when asked to provide a source for their claim, the person will respond with the name of the credible news outlet.

In the day of social media and e-news, this is irresponsible.

At the risk of dating myself here, I recall a time when print news—yes, the physical newspaper that we once held in our hands—folded perfectly to the section we wanted to read, and had a dedicated section for an opinion piece. 

Usually on page 2.

It was most likely presented by the same writer so that their name became synonymous with opinion. Overtime, that changed to being more inclusive to other writers but nevertheless, still contained in the opinion section of the paper.

Fast forward to the present, where opinion is presented as fact and actual fact is presented as fake news…and we wonder why we have a problem.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find hope where the prospects are bleak, filled with divisive rhetoric, and misinformation. But it’s out there. Hidden among the craziness of the world, it’s out there.

It can be found in the smallest of things if only we take the time to look.