Opinions. Everyone has one. In my contemporary issues class you find two types of people, those who are very vocal about what they believe and those who are not. I am one of those students that are glad to let you know what I think, especially since the class involves politics and current events. My teacher will call on less participative students and ask them what they think. Usually, these students respond with “I don’t know” or “I don’t have an opinion.” And my teacher will answer with “Well… of course you have some type of opinion.”. It’s true; everyone has an opinion, whether you make is known or not. However, in some instances, there can be cases of not having an opinion, like when you don’t have enough information. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is on the issues, but it really does matter that you hold an opinion. Opinions are important and can change the world.

Now, when it comes to defending your opinions, there are a few things to remember. One, in the heat of a debate you should never say “your opinion is wrong” or “you’re wrong.” Opinions aren’t facts. Again, opinions aren’t facts. This means that they are neither right or wrong. Two, facts, facts, and more facts. You can never go wrong with lots of facts from reputable sources. It not only helps support your opinion but it also reflects well on you. Third, you shouldn’t make the statement that the other person is closed minded or narrow-minded. These phrases appear as a weak attempt to making an argument. In most cases, they also seem a little hypocritical, and nowadays it is seen everywhere on the internet. If you’re automatically discrediting someone because their opinion is different and is not the same as yours then you are the one being closed minded. So when dealing with opinions you should be open minded as well. You don’t have to agree (and that’s fine if you don’t), but both parties need to open to hearing the others view points (without name calling).

Colleges around the country have started using “safe spaces” and even going as far as to cancel speakers who are speaking about controversial topics. This is all a result of people who feel “triggered.” Trigger warnings are used to alert students to potentially disturbing content, but these warnings are become an excuse for millennials, myself being one, to be coddled from differing opinions. Recently, the University of Chicago sent a letter out to incoming freshman warning that there should not be an expectation for a “trigger warning." The letter states “Members of our community are encouraged to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn without fear of censorship.” it goes on to say “Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called “trigger warnings,” we do not cancel invited speakers because their topic might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual “safe spaces: where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.” College students should be at the maturity to know that opinions are different, that the don’t have to agree with everything, and that if it is an issue they are sensitive to, stay away.

Opinions are powerful. They hold the power to challenge year-old traditions and bring change. It gives ordinary people the opportunity to have an impact. For example, in my community, there is a highway that, by some community members, is considered dangerous, while others consider it to be relatively safe. The community has had public forums for people to come and share their thoughts. The opinions of community members prompted a meeting that the Tennessee Department of Transportation would hold. As an outcome, plans have been made to add medians, turn lanes, and other features to provide more safety. All of these results were possible through opinions. While this issue is a local one, it can still make change for the country. Opinions make change; they are powerful. Remember: everyone has an opinion and they’re entitled to having one. These thoughts make a change in the world as long as you have respect and facts. So make opinions and listen to other’s opinions; you may learn something.