As social media becomes more prominent in our culture, our thoughts and opinions are broadcasted for the world to see. This allows us to create communities of like-minded people, while these groups are beneficial to marginalized groups of people that do not always have a voice elsewhere.
Although social media is an amazing outlet for people to meet other people who share the same ideas, many crave for a physical group of people that they can lean on. Especially when in college it can be very hard to make friends when simply going to class and back to your dorm.
In order to meet new people, many students join groups and organizations that are hosted by their university. Some of these organizations are completely harmless and allow students to grow through leadership opportunities and their major development. This is not the case for all of them.
Many organizations force you to promise secrecy of your organization and their operations. Even when recruiting others for the organization you are not allowed to completely reveal all of the struggles that happen behind the scenes in fear of getting in trouble or jeopardizing the reputation of your organization.
This is especially relevant in organizations where you have to be asked to join. It is very hard to go against the organization that has taken you under its wing and given you a group of friends. In addition to this, you risk losing your friend group.
Which should honestly not be a fear if you a speaking up against the actions of your organization because if they are truly your friends they will continue to be your friend afterward. The ones that fade away were not truly your friends, just people that were being your friend because you paid to be a part of an organization.
Never allow money to buy your freedom of speech. If you witness something that is not okay or something you don't believe in speak up. Even if you are the only one. There is always someone else in the room that feels the same way as you but is afraid to say something. Do not allow these organizations to warp your values and your view of the world.
