Stand Up, Speak Out, Never Apologize | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Stand Up, Speak Out, Never Apologize

"Don't be scared to be passionate just because people are uncomfortable"

3
Stand Up, Speak Out, Never Apologize
The Huffington Post

One of the most common phrases I hear "I believe (insert idea here) but I don't talk about it online cause I don't want to be THAT person". I truly understand why some people choose not to talk about some issues online, whether it be you just truly aren't passionate about that area, or maybe you aren't as educated on the subject as you would like to be. I understand the appeal of staying quiet about issues that tend to ruffle some feathers, but I want to know what is wrong about being THAT person.

Let's start with the main question. What does being "THAT" person actually mean? Does it mean I am annoying because I have an opinion? Does it mean that I am seeking attention because I bring awareness to different areas of passion? Or does it truly mean that I make statements that make you uncomfortable because in some way you know them to be true? All of those could possibly be the truth, but I do not care. Personally, I won't back down from a powerful subject because you may be annoyed. I won't stay quiet because you believe a sexual assault victim talking about women's rights means that she's 'attention seeking'. I continue to stay strong on these subject BECAUSE you are uncomfortable with them. It truly blows my mind that a person can be uncomfortable with the conversations about BLM, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, gun ownership, but they aren't uncomfortable with the actual events going on around these topics.

Many people also believe that social media activism doesn't work, but according to The ALS Association, $115 million was raised by the Ice bucket Challenge. Yes, people claimed those who participated were 'annoying' and 'jumping on trends' but in reality, those people made a huge difference. That is research money, that is patient money, and that is money for ALS fundraising and education. I don't know about you but $115 million seems to be a big success in my book.

Let's also look at all the BLM cases. Talking about those issues, talking about those men and women who lost their lives, that creates awareness. That creates conversation, which then goes into C-H-A-N-G-E. Because those issues were talked about, police now wear body cams, people have stepped in to help situations, and there is justice when needed. Again, I don't know about you but I think that is a success as well. We still have a lot of work to do to help with those issues, but we're getting there.

At the end of the day, stay updated and informed on the issues you're passionate about. Talk about them. Be enraged about them and never give up on them. Just don't forget to fight for these issues on and off the internet. Screw the people that think you're too loud. Screw the people that don't understand why you care. The people you are helping thank you. Everybody needs someone to fight for them and never stop. Never apologize for being that person for someone. Never stop wanting the world to be a better place. Post that status, share that video, speak your mind, and let the world know how much work we still have left to do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

444063
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

17582
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

42109
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21591
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

322021
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments