Skip to content
New columns every week · Get The Brie Austin Report

Brie Austin

Business · Travel · Entertainment  — 
Columns & reporting since 2003

Opinion

Delete If You Disagree

I received an email forward the other day on the immigration issue. It went on and on about America; we have our OWN culture we don’t need yours, we have our OWN language we don’t need yours, etc, etc. Some of it hit on some points I do agree with, such as learning the national language when you live in another country — as I have.

However, what I found really odd was the last sentence of the email which said “If you agree pass this on, if you don’t delete it.”

Why are people so quick to stick to one point of view without open and honest dialogue. People on both sides seem to form their opinions based on the media headlines and then search for things to support their view — like similar minded rah rah cheerleaders — rather than review all the facts first, discuss it and then form an opinion.

Spotted an error? Tell us. See our editorial standards.

Brie Austin

Brie Austin

New York-born columnist and journalist covering business, travel and entertainment since 2003. More about Brie →

Related reading

More Commentary →
Column

Breaking Male Plastic Surgery Stereotypes

In a world of male plastic surgery where self-expression and individuality reign supreme, the conversation surrounding beauty standards is evolving at a rapid pace. Gone are…

Jun 17, 2025 · 6 min read
Column

De-Mystifying Gynecomastia

A recent article, "Understanding Gynecomastia: Shedding Light on a Common Condition Among Men", breaks it down into symptoms, causes, and solutions. You may have never heard…

Dec 10, 2023 · 1 min read
Opinion

Religion and Science

Recently arriving in Bangalore India for a six-month stay, I’ve enjoyed the daily reading of The Speaking Tree column; prompting me to return to my own…

Aug 22, 2021 · 2 min read