As a young, very expressive student myself, I understand the importance of having an opinion on certain topics and being able to express said opinion. The dilemma with this is that students start to think that saying an insult about someone followed by ‘that’s just my opinion’ is how to express it. I’m sorry to say that that is not how it works at all. There are appropriate and inappropriate ways and times to voice an opinion, and everyone should have a chance to learn, not just when, but why. Famous, American writer, Harlan Ellison once said, “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.” Basically, you can express an opinion about something anyway you like, but if you do not have accurate knowledge on the subject, no one will want to listen to it, or at least, they will not take it seriously.
Strategy is a key component when trying to get your point across. Voicing an opinion is a very delicate matter, so it is very important to premeditate how to say it. Growing up, I remember hearing, almost everyday, that ‘they need to develop a filter on their mouth’, as I am sure many of you have heard something similar. This phrase has it’s way of becoming true of everyone, especially when they aren’t even right about the situation they are referring to in the first place. Which is why it is critical to be informed about a topic before inserting your opinion about it in a discussion. When asked what he thought about the quote from Harlan Ellison, Joe Odisho ‘18 said, “I think what he means is, you can’t really have an opinion about something that you have no knowledge on.” Joe is exactly right; how can you have an opinion on something if you don’t even know what the topic is and all the facts behind it? Simple, you can’t.
Timing is everything. As I stated earlier, there are appropriate and inappropriate times to state your opinion. For example, in a school environment, teachers are not allowed to express their views on religion. They also may not curse in front of students, just as students may not swear in class. This is due to the fact that it is not the appropriate time or place to express these opinions. Let me also say that adding ‘but it is freedom of speech’ after an insult is no better than saying ‘it is just my opinion’. The reason freedom of speech does not apply is because it is a public school; there are school rules in which you must follow. Paul Cervantes ‘19 said, “It isn’t really freedom of speech. Schools have these rules to help avoid drama and conflict between students. It also teaches students to use peaceful methods in their adult lives.” Besides, it did not state in the constitution that freedom of speech allows you to be a jerk when someone doesn’t agree with you. Freedom of speech was made to give U.S. citizens the freedom to say what they want about the government without getting in trouble.
The importance of how much knowledge you have on the topic at hand is unexplainable. I had stated how important this is before, but allow me to elaborate further. As I stated earlier, without true facts, there is hardly anyone who will believe you, much less listen. That would be like Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump going to a presidential debate without any idea what they were going to say or even being prepared with an argument; it would be ridiculous, pointless, and not to mention the fact that it would basically be them throwing their campaign out the window. “If you don’t have any facts ready, you’re just gonna look stupid to everyone around you because you don’t even know what you’re talking about,” said Bianca Elizando ‘18. Many other students have agreed with Bianca’s statement when asked what they thought. More often than not, incorrect facts can cause trouble and entice, unnecessary anger and misunderstandment. When someone produces an opinion based on the wrong facts, it can lead to lost friendships and pointless arguments that obviously could have been avoided had said person had correct information.
Opinions are responsible for so many positive things in our country and the society in our world today. Without them, who is to say that we wouldn’t still be under British rule. There wouldn’t even be a constitution, much less that freedom of speech everyone loves to talk about so much. So, next time you want to express your opinion be sure to ask yourself these questions: Is it appropriate? Is it the right time to say this? It is factual? Am I ready for the variety of reactions that I could receive? Always remember, your tongue, while small, can cause more damage than you can comprehend.
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