Opinions are a wonderful thing. Everyone has one, which is democracy at its finest, although occasionally it feels as if the nation has been handed a microphone and told, “Off you go, Dave.”
In Britain, we’re rather fond of free speech. We’ll defend your right to say what you like, then quietly judge you for saying it over a cup of tea.
The trouble is, social media has turned us all into broadcasters.
Once upon a time, if you had a daft opinion, you had to find someone willing to listen. Now you can post it online at 2am and within minutes it’s being shared by 14,000 strangers, three Bots and your auntie Brenda.
I’m all for healthy debate. But somewhere along the way, discussion became ALL CAPS shouting, angry emojis and people threatening to leave the country because someone put milk in the tea before the water.
And our politicians aren’t exactly setting the example.
Imagine if they occasionally listened to each other, admitted they might be wrong and had a laugh. Frankly, the country would be so shocked we’d probably need to lie down.
As a comedian, I’m often asked what happens to jokes that aren’t funny.
They become politicians.
I couldn’t resist.
But beneath the jokes is a serious point.
Opinions are useful. Uninformed certainty is not.
Education, curiosity and the ability to say, “Actually, I hadn’t thought of that,” might do more for public debate than another 47 angry Facebook posts.
There are always two sides to an argument. Although, judging by some online comments, there are people still determined to argue from the edge of the flat Earth.
So before hitting “send”, perhaps pause for a moment.
Ask yourself: Am I adding something to the conversation, or just making the internet louder?
And if the answer is “louder”, put the phone down.
Go and make a cup of tea.
It’s what Britain does best.