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Politics and Activism

Defiance Over Silence

I'm not going to watch what I say.

Maggie MacMillan
Dec 05, 2016
University of Minnesota Duluth
35
Defiance Over Silence
ABC

Ever since I've started blogging and writing, I have felt a great amount of joy. I get to write publicly and tell people about how I feel, and people get to see it and respond. It's a nice exchange I have with my readers; I cherish it a lot. It's a different kind of bond between author and reader, which makes it all the more special.

Ever since I've started blogging and writing, I have been told to "watch what you write," to which these people continue to explain what they mean. What they tell me is that I shouldn't write my opinions because they'll upset people. I shouldn't speak out against current events or public issues because "potential employers could see it and not agree." While I agree that potential employers could, and probably will, see what I write, it doesn't mean I should limit what I say.

I have opinions on things—things that matter—and just like every other person in this country, I have a right to express them. I'm not going to go off on a completely disrespectful rant about something I absolutely hate. I'm going to write about things that need to be changed in a respectful manner. I'm here to share my opinions with the world and hopefully be a part of a change for the better.

I'm not going to remain silent on misogyny or misandry. I'm not going to remain silent on shootings of any race. I'm not going to remain silent on people's actions that are demeaning to other people's lives. I'm not going to sit back and let these things pass. These things are important, and who is going to speak out for them if we are all told to watch what we say or write or do?

Not everyone is going to agree on everything; that is a fantasy. Not everything is going to be silent; that is also a fantasy. And no, not everyone is going to respect everyone; that is the biggest fantasy.

It's ridiculous to ask for people to "watch what you write," so long as it is respectful and done with careful thought. Especially, if it's about something that needs to be changed.

So, no. I'm not going to watch it. I'm not going to sit idly on my opinions and let them go unspoken.

I'm going to be the change I wish to see in the world.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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