One thing I don’t understand about this generation is the conflict people seem to make when someone expresses their opinion. Why is it that one person can say what they think, but the minute someone else express an opposing opinion, the other gets offended? Why is that one person can express their beliefs, but another can’t? Why can’t we all just express our opinions freely, like our Constitution gives us the right to, without someone making a big deal about it?

I am all for free speech. I am a person who likes to speak up, and I will be sure to let you know what I am thinking and what my opinion is. But I am not going to get offended because you go against what I think. I am happy you do and I will be happy to discuss with you our different beliefs. I think it’s healthy. If everyone thought the same what kind of world would we live in?

Lately, at my school there have been incidents of chalk writings (as at many others) about political and societal views. And so many people got offended. Someone wrote what they believe, and then another wrote what they believe in response. Who cares? It’s chalk. It’s not hurting anyone. But don’t get offended over what is written because you don’t agree with it… there may have been people who didn’t agree with what you wrote.

But chalk writings are only a small part of the grand scheme of offense that people are taking in American society. If one person says one race’s “lives matter” the other race gets offended…. But why is it that only race is allowed to say it without any consequences?

Black lives matter. White lives matter. Hispanic lives matter. Asian lives matter. All lives matter.

The United States is a diverse culture that accepts so many different types of people, no matter where they come from. Why are we calling out only one group of people? Our country has been through so much throughout history in order to make sure that everyone has equal opportunity, equal rights and an equal life. Why is it that now, when every race is equally accepted into society, we are singling people out again? I don’t understand how someone can say “black lives matter,” and then the minute someone says “white lives matter” it’s racist. Every. Life. Matters.

I just wish people could express their opinions without worrying about offending someone. And I know there is no way no one is not going to get offended, that’s unrealistic. But I hate when people who express their opinions face so much backlash if it goes against the majority of what society believes.

I encourage everyone to express their beliefs, no matter what people respond. And to those who get offended, I encourage you to have an open mind. Because when you express your opinion, you might be offending someone else.

So, write whatever you want in chalk. Say whatever you want on social media. Speak up when you have an opinion and don’t worry about offending someone.