When we are little, we are taught “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I think it should be rephrased to say, “If what you want to say isn’t nice, think about the point you are trying to get across and rephrase your thought to be more respectful, inclusive, and thoughtful.” OK, so that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue very easily but I think sometimes people have really important ideas or thoughts on a subject and chose to keep to themselves for fear of negative judgement, or simply agree with someone because it is easier to go with the flow than swim upstream, especially if you are the only one.
However, it is very important, especially as young college students, for people to learn how to speak their mind even when it may be an unpopular opinion. Sometimes the first thing that comes to mind might be the right thing to say, but just needs to be phrased in a way that doesn’t make people disagree with the way you are stating your opinion even if they disagree with your actual opinion. Unfortunately I think the mentality of “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” seeps into our heads a little too much — to the point where people don’t say things that are potentially controversial in a good way or even just lead to good conversation.
As a society of young adults making the transition from high school to college we all know people who are unafraid to speak their mind and it can get them into trouble, however, we also know those who don't speak their mind and get walked over. Learning to speak your mind in the right way can help build the conversation into something it never would have become. Yes, sometimes it is easier to just agree and carry on, but by stopping to challenge someone’s idea, we can lead to some eye-opening discussions and maybe we could learn something about ourselves, or the other person. Step out on a limb, respectfully challenge someone’s opinion if it is in the appropriate setting and situation, and earn the respect and gratitude of who you are conversing with. Even if both people leave the conversation with the same opinion as they began it, maybe both people will have a more open mind to the opportunity of other opinions and where they might fit in with their own.
