Opinionated

I was thinking about the word "opinionated" recently since on occasion I have been described by this word. Calling someone opinionated is like calling someone fat; it just seems like such an insult, but is it really? Maybe it's just my jaded view on the word. Yes, i do have opinions; I believe everyone should. If you don't have an opinion how do you know what you believe in? Is it that people who are called opinionated are actually just outspoken? The Dalai Lama and Mother Theresa have very strong opinions, but I haven't heard anyone refer to either of them as opinionated, they are just deemed passionate.

What makes someone opinionated versus having a strong point of view? Is it being outspoken? If I had a charity, or if I was running for city council, or if this blog was a .org would I be considered passionate instead of opinionated?

Why does the word have a negative connotation? It's kind of like the word "large". No one wants to hear it, unless it is associated with a sum of money or diamond or Kim Kardashian's ass.

Regardless, I think I have a point of view on things and if that makes me opinionated so be it. It's not like I have an opinion on everything. I could care less what color shirt Mitch wears to work, or if the SEC is the best football conference in the land...

I would rather have an opinion than to be a chameleon.