Opinion within the Memoir

 One of the most obvious and discerning aspects of non-fiction is that of telling the truth. It is the truth that defines non-fiction as a genre however, in the form of memoir the truth has a tendency to become warped. This is done even without the slightest intention simply because it is fairly impossible for the brain to remember every detail exactly as it happened. There are many things that a brain does (including creating false memories) that can tamper with the idea of truth within a non-fiction piece. What is more interesting is how individual opinion can affect the truth telling within a piece of writing.

All human beings regard many of their own individual opinions as truths that are set in stone. We see this with stereotypes, many different classifications and of course in our judgments of others and their actions. Many of our opinions are based on common ideologies within the different societies and cultures that we belong to, thus a popular opinion can easily be misidentified as truth. But what is an ideology? In the simplest sense, it is not truth, but simple an idea that is strong enough to control the opinions of an entire society.

It can be assumed that opinion can easily destroy the aspect of truth within non-fiction because opinions when unchallenged can become destructive. We see this in all societies including the one we live in today. Minority groups have always been oppressed by a so called majority because there is a popular opinion that having a different skin tone, practicing a different religion, or preferring the same sex makes you less than human. But what happens to an opinion when it is challenged? Change. Writing in whatever genre gives one the potential to challenge common ideologies, opinions, and beliefs that are destructive within one’s society. Many, many writers have been known to fight destructive opinions successfully, changing the mindset of an entire culture.

What is so unique about challenging opinion when writing in non-fiction, specifically through memoir and personal narratives, is that the desire to tell the truth can challenge one’s own destructive opinions. When writing about the self, one is forced to thoroughly explore the self, in order to be truly successful. One must study their emotions, the meanings of those emotions and why they feel as such. One must study their personal history and as best as possible come to an understanding of why their opinions exist. When writing about the self, one challenges the self thus we challenge ourselves every time we write down a bit of our lives.

Of course not every writer of non-fiction does as such. But I believe that anyone who wishes to take this genre seriously must do so. I believe all writers of any genre should do so, and quite possibly the entire earth population. When we successfully challenge ourselves, there is growth and the world cannot change for the better unless everyone in the world takes the time to change within our individual selves. As a writer I hold so much power in my fingertips to set forth such change within my society, but first, I must confront my own opinions, beliefs and desires. As a writer of memoirs, I have the very power to do so.