American students are asked to form their own opinions about everything they read rather than just believe everything they read or hear. People without opinions of their own are regarded as weak minded. They change their minds about things easily. People who take the most hopeful view of matters or expect the best outcome in any circumstances are called optimistic as opposed to pessimistic. People respect people with opinions, but they also respect people who listen to the opinions of other and be able to change their opinions rather than holding to then blindly.