Aubrey+L’s+2017+OpEd+Article

Freedom Of Speech? The very first Amendment to the United States Constitution gives us the right to exercise freedom of speech, and yet I still find myself holding back what I believe in so I don’t “trigger” anyone. It’s not like I am slapping someone in the face with my opinions, but just by stating my beliefs people get offended. Although we have freedom of speech, we don’t have freedom of opinions. We are free to think whatever we want, but as soon as you speak, we are constantly afraid of being scrutinized. So even though we have freedom of speech, you had better watch what you say because you might be judged for your opinions.

A few weeks ago we got assigned a political art project. The only rules were to not target a group of people, or offend anyone’s belief. Easy, right? Wrong. I had plenty of ideas for my project that wouldn't offend anyone, but I chose not to. Why? Because my beliefs went against popular opinion. Even though I was able to exercise my right of freedom of speech, I did not do so. I was fearful that my fellow peers would criticize so I chose not to speak at all. This is an outrage. If someone is too afraid to voice their opinion because it goes against what the majority believes, it becomes a problem.

The recent election of President Donald Trump brought this problem to my attention. Lots of people supported Trump, but most were too afraid to show support. At least I was when I was at school. I was sitting in art class one day and a kid asked if anyone actually supported Trump. I raised my hand and he immediately started laughing. He thought I was joking, but I was not. As soon as he realized I was serious he stepped away from me and started whispering about me behind my back. Although I don’t agree with everything Trump stands for, I still would’ve voted for him if I was old enough. I voiced my opinion, I exercised my right to freedom of speech, and yet I found myself wanting to stay silent.

The root of this problem resides in the minds of others. Rather than shooting someone down for what they believe, agree to disagree and move on. By giving someone a dirty look, or by trying to shut someone down, you aren’t accomplishing anything. I am going to believe in whatever I want, and I don’t care if you tell me otherwise. I’m not telling you how to live your life, so don’t tell me how to live mine. Mind your own business and let me voice my opinions. If you don’t like it, just shut your mouth and walk away. I’m not forcing you to talk to me, and I’m not trying to shove my beliefs down your throat. All I am doing is exercising my right to speak freely. I am exercising my freedom of opinion.