I’m fortunate enough to live in a country where free speech is a constitutional right. Free speech doesn’t give me a free pass to be unapologetically rude to people, but it does allow for an open exchange of ideas. With social media still as popular as ever, it’s even easier to share opinions and learn from the perspectives of other people. In less than a minute, I can share a review of an experience or live tweet an event in real-time, and I can also see the same thing but with different views and ideas on the subject. It can be challenging, though, when your opinions aren't exactly "popular" in your area.

When you’re a black liberal living in a southern area with a primarily white and conservative demographic, tensions can be high sometimes. To say the least, it can be difficult to be the bigger person by avoiding conflict and trying not to be argumentative in an environment where the majority of the population doesn’t agree with you. My stances and experiences don't always match up with those of my peers, and dealing with it has been frustrating, to say the least. People who know the frustration are beyond familiar with the facial expressions that come with it.

When you realize that it's an election season.

The current presidential election has been a catastrophe, and it really has brought out the true colors of my community and the people around me. It currently seems impossible to open a smart device or go out into the open without seeing any sort of political propaganda or hear people spewing untrue information. Social media rants and overheard discussions in the halls sometimes rub me the wrong way, but the worst incidences are when people personally ask me for an opinion on a debate or a recent controversy. Most of the time, but not always, those people are looking for an argument and are trying to get someone fired up. Everyday, I take a deep breath and remember that elections only happen every four years, and that, within a month, all of the campaigning and debating will be over with.

The uncomfortable grin when I try to do anything to avoid conversations that I know will irritate me.

hen in a silent situation, most people's first instinct is to bring up something relevant and popular in order to get the ball rolling. Let's just say that after a giant political controversy has hit headlines, I usually try to steer clear of small talk for as long as I possibly can, especially if I know that the people around me are not very open to opposing view points. If I'm just sitting around, I usually find a way to make myself appear to be occupied.

When you overhear someone screaming false information about your beliefs. It really isn't worth the argument, I tell myself, it really isn't.

The anxious expression that you have when you're trying your hardest to pick your words carefully.

When I do attempt to discuss my opinions, I find myself trying not to say anything that will set anyone off. I try to make sure that my words and tone aren’t too aggressive in order to lessen the blow. By engaging in political discussion, I've learned that people are sensitive and one wrong word can backfire on you. No matter how calm I try to remain while speaking, it can still result in someone yelling or being upset, which I always try to remind myself before engaging in opinionated discussions.

It's completely acceptable to have different stances on a variety of issues; that's what makes this country so great. While taking advantage of the privilege that is free speech, it's incredibly important not to be a jerk about it. I would never force my opinions on someone else for someone to agree with me or tell someone that their opinion is wrong. While there is such thing as an invalid argument, there is no such thing as an invalid opinion. With that being said, stay calm, my fellow minority thinkers, and stay strong. You've got this.