Hate Is Not Opinion: Language for What It Is
More and more, we hear people defend harmful words by saying, “It’s just my opinion.” But when words demean, exclude, or invite harm, they are not harmless viewpoints. They are prejudice, and they need to be named as such.
An opinion is a personal belief or preference. You may prefer cats over dogs, enjoy one type of food over another, one band over another, or support a favorite sports team. Opinions are subjective, they do not cause harm, and they leave space for others to disagree.
But when someone says, “I think LGBTQ people shouldn’t exist,” or “Women don’t belong in the workplace,” that is not an opinion. Nor is it an opinion to say, “Immigrants are ruining this country,” or “People with disabilities are a burden,” or “Transgender people are just confused.” These are all examples of bigotry, expressions of hate or bias directed toward groups of people. Words like these carry real consequences: they create hostile environments, reinforce systemic inequities, and can incite violence.
Here are some more accurate words than “opinion”:
Bias: A distorted judgment, often unconscious, that favors or disfavors a group.
Prejudice: A negative attitude not based on reason or experience.
Bigotry: Intolerant hatred of people who are different.
Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on identity.
Hate speech: Language that demeans, intimidates, or incites hostility.
Oppression: Systemic harm supported by words, policies, and structures.
Science helps us see the difference between fact and distortion. Evidence from psychology, sociology, medicine, and education shows us how bias and discrimination harm health, limit opportunity, and increase stress-related illness. Education itself is built on fact, research, and evidence, not on personal prejudice. When someone claims hate as an “opinion,” they are not debating ideas. They are denying science, ignoring data, and undermining education.
Why does this matter? Because language shapes reality. When we mislabel hate as “opinion,” we normalize violence and excuse discrimination. We turn harmful ideologies into just another side of a debate when, in fact, they strip people of safety and dignity.
There is a difference between disagreement and dehumanization. You can disagree about policy, strategy, or even personal taste. But when words target someone’s identity, such as sexual orientation, race, gender identity, sex assigned at birth, faith, or ability, they cross a line. That is not an opinion. That is harm.
So what can you do when you hear someone hiding behind the word “opinion”? Try these responses:
“That’s not an opinion, that’s prejudice.”
“You’re entitled to your opinion, but not to language that demeans others.”
“What you’ve said isn’t a perspective, it’s harmful.”
“Opinions don’t strip people of dignity. What you said does.”
“An opinion doesn’t make people unsafe. Hate speech does.”
These are small but powerful ways to interrupt harmful speech and make clear that words carry weight.
Standing against hateful language is not about silencing people. It is about accountability. It is about protecting dignity and creating environments where people feel safe, respected, and valued.
An opinion can spark a conversation. Prejudice can endanger lives. Let’s stop confusing the two.
