About a month ago, on election day, my political philosophy professor gave us an assignment in class. I was prepared for a small writing assignment, or maybe an extra-credit opportunity. What came to fruition, however, was a protest.

He told us to sit with three other people who shared similar political ideas/opinions. We went through our usual class activities- quiz over the reading and then a small lecture. About 30-40 minutes before class was going to let out, he began giving instructions on the assignment.

We were to come up with something that we felt strongly about, according to our political standpoints. My group discussed different topics, including ‘safe spaces’, anti-gun laws on college campuses, and taxes. The topic that we landed on was raising taxes so as to provide ‘free’ college, and I came up with the phrase ‘free isn’t free’ for the protest. Some of the other topics chosen were the presidential candidates and the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy.

After the topic was approved by our professor, I left class and started to think about the assignment. Our group was supposed to protest in the small amphitheater during the next class period, which is the only spot on campus to freely protest. I talked about the protest with my boyfriend, who is also in the class, and we shared the same opinion on the assignment: we had no desire to protest anything at all.

Here’s the thing: I am perfectly fine with controversy. Actually, I enjoy it. I have no issue arguing with somebody about political or social issues. But…I don’t think it’s necessary to protest. I do not believe that sharing your opinion through posters and signs is the appropriate way to approach the issues of today- especially a small protest of four people on a community college campus.

I skipped my school protest because I think that protests are for those who cannot seem to contain their thoughts and have rational conversation with people. It is for those who have too much time on their hands and want to whine about how they don’t get their way.

I skipped my school protest because I would rather have a legitimate conversation with somebody than come up with some cute chant to shout and paint a sign to wave around.

I skipped my school protest because I do not care what people think about my political opinions. I voted for Donald Trump, I agree with his anti-illegal immigration stance, and I think that government hand-outs should be eliminated.

I skipped my school protest because there is no point in protesting, especially when your political opinions are not commonly shared.

So, to my professor who was upset that I skipped, I hope that you now understand why.