The First Amendment of our country’s constitution gives citizens the ability to have free speech, and as a writer, that means I am allowed to write about essentially any topic I want in any way I want (for the most part). I write to educate on those marginalized in our country and give facts and logic to back up my argument. I want to educate those unaware of topics like these and bring a sort of understanding to those who might show prejudice towards groups and cultures that are not known.

Recently the right of free speech has got me on two different sides of the argument. I believe that citizens should be allowed to voice their opinions, but those opinions might have some ideas in them that are derogatory and just plain offensive. I could go on any social media website or listen to people around me and I hear comments filled with hate towards groups of people that are different than them. I just can’t stand it because these are people just like us, and how can one view another group so hatefully?

This brings me to my next point on political correctness. Now being PC (politically correct) has been the new debate in our society since one side says that we should be PC, while the others disagree. Donald Trump has voiced his opinion on political correctness saying, “He doesn’t have time for it.”

But what defines political correctness? Oxford Dictionaries defines political correctness as, “The avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.”

Essentially, political correctness is being used to prevent discrimination of other groups in our society, so why is this a problem? I believe the problem is the stubbornness of some to attempt to learn about another’s culture. It can be said that people have been taught that African Americans are bad, being gay is evil, and all Muslims are terrorists because of the grouping of certain individuals and not knowing how said individuals live.

Instead, the stereotypes are learned and experiences from history are given down to the younger generation, which hinders our country’s future from accepting all people. These values harm those who are being discriminated against, which is why many young people want “safe spaces” in our schools, but instead of understanding their fears, they live with discrimination. Many mock the idea of a “safe space” because it is thought of as the newer generation being incapable of arguing without being offended. But in my opinion, a safe space is a place where a student can have the freedom to thrive in a setting where prejudice does not exist.

Those who are being discriminated against, I ask you to not run -- fight for your people. Use your freedoms to prove others wrong. Use reason over opinion and logic over belief. For those who discriminate you for being part of a certain group, their arguments will falter, while yours will vanquish them and possibly open their minds. Freedom of speech should be used in a progressive way and should help educate others on sensitive topics, which is my goal. We are so far behind because people choose not to accept others, which is ironic because we all wish to be understood.

As a final note, I want anyone who disagrees (or agrees -- comments in general) with me to please contact me, publicly or personally, and argue your stance because you have the right to disagree, but we should not allow people a right to discriminate just because, “They don’t have time to be politically correct.”