Twix are pastries

When I think about the subject of opinions on a global scale, I think about censorship. Unfortunately, we are living in a day and age where differing opinions are seen as “violent” or “dangerous” if they differ from the popular opinion of the majority – whether that majority may be in politics, journalism, on social media or even on campus.

As a deeply opinionated person myself, something I’ve noticed on campus throughout my years as a student has been the fear of having an opinion – literally. I’ve always thought of how blessed I am to be someone who stands firmly on my opinions, beliefs or principles. But I would like to see that kind of boldness within people my age, whether on campus or elsewhere in the world. Through many conversations with professors, students and faculty members, I’ve noticed hesitation when it’s someone’s turn to speak. It makes me angry – not because they’re afraid of their own opinions, but because they fear the reactions their opinions will bring.

My encouragement to students, professors and faculty members is this: Who cares? Who are we actually afraid of when it comes to voicing our opinions about politics and social or cultural issues? Your opinion is your opinion – it belongs to you. Let's remember that opinions aren’t facts; they are your beliefs, your own judgment on situations and circumstances. And they always change – if not now as a twenty-year-old, maybe later when you're thirty with four kids and a mortgage. I don’t believe in being fearful when you have something to say. Maybe you have an opinion about what’s happening across the world in a country where women aren’t legally allowed to receive an education. Maybe you have an opinion on the policies that the current administration of the United States is implementing. Or maybe you even have an opinion on why Twix candy bars should not be considered “candy” but a “pastry” (this happens to be one of the most argumentative topics ever).

Our opinions are built from our beliefs, how we were raised, the neighborhoods we lived in and even what our parents taught us. Your opinions are built on your experiences in life and no one else’s. Canisius is known to be the place ‘where leaders are made,’ but to be a leader requires the ability to reason, to have your own opinion and to defend it. Leaders don’t just follow the majority or go along with what everyone else believes; they stand on their own reasoning. They aren’t afraid to rebel, to stand in a room full of disagreement or to speak their minds about situations – whether in politics, culture or on campus.

Of course, the goal isn’t to offend people or to try to change their minds. The goal of dialogue – and particularly, The Griffin’s opinion section – is simply to give space for opinions to be voiced. To make your voice heard. To show diverse thoughts. That differing perspective that happens to go against the majority might be exactly what encourages someone else to speak out. Let's start those conversations. Let's actively exercise our freedom of speech.

-RZM