The other day, I was sharing my personal political and ethical views with someone on Facebook that, in my mind, were respectful and mindful of opposing opinions. However, when I told a family member about my Facebook post, I was immediately warned that sharing an opinion that disagreed with the stance of the vast majority was a poor decision that could have detrimental effects. At first, I agreed and held my tongue as I thought it would be better for me; yet, was it truly?

As I continued to see posts and articles detailing the turmoil we have been suffering as a nation, I grew deeply angry and eager to share my opinion as the hypocritical, rude, uneducated, and generalized claims and posts intensified. I knew that I couldn’t hold back my voice.

I am a person who believes that each individual voice should be heard. In fact, this is what lead me to write for Odyssey. And, as a future teacher, I believe that I am blessed in having the opportunity to hear and encourage young individual voices to share and speak. However, if I were to hold my tongue in the face of opposition, can I honestly help students to do the same?

We live in a world where voices NEED to be heard and respected. The 21st century is progressive and full of social movements in which we should all be participating. However, we do not allow all people to contribute, in my mind. We only allow SOME voices to be heard, respected, and appreciated. This is just absolutely wrong. As a nation, we have grown to turn everything into opposing binaries, if you will. Everything is one way or the other with nothing in-between. Because of this, we must choose a side where we find that the most logical arguments against the opposing side must be done through the finest “bashing” of the opposing view, party, race, religion, and so forth. Indeed, anger is a driving force and pointing fingers must be done (please, note my satire), and we absolutely will persuade others to completely change their fundamental ideals by criticizing and hurting them through various modes of abusive behavior (again, satire).

Why can’t we listen without attacking? Why are we so apt to fight “fire with fire”, or “hate with hate” when these are the things that we are trying to avoid as a nation? Are human beings inherently hypocritical and hateful?

Now, I do not mean to generalize because I recognize that my claim does not stand as true for each person, post, and so forth. Rather, I am trying to challenge society to use their minds to civilly share and converse with one another without shaming, name calling, or participating in abusive behavior. It sickens me! In being “civil” with one another, I believe that more voices will open up and make themselves apparent without the fear of being harshly criticized.

Are you for #BlackLivesMatter? AWESOME! Are you for #AllLivesMatter? AWESOME! Are you voting for Donald Trump! AWESOME. Hillary? AWESOME! Do you answer “no” to any of the prior questions? AWESOME – I am glad that you are an individual who participates in the important happenings in our nation. You are an intelligent individual who is making their own decisions. You will continue to be intelligent and appreciated if - AND ONLY IF - you are able to present your ideals and beliefs through logical, factual, and respectful reasoning without being a hypocrite or degrading jerk.

I honestly believe that “silence is consent” and that consent through fear is detrimental to our nation. This is our time where voices should be able to be heard, right? Gay marriage is now legal because voices have risen to do so! So, don’t stop. Don’t be afraid. Be Kind. Listen. Share. Discuss. Reduce hate.