I can recall numerous times that I have "bitten my tongue" to refrain from stating my true feelings. I am an avid advocate for the freedom of speech, but ironically, I also believe that there is a time and place for that freedom to be practiced.
I do agree with Loeb's quote. Anytime a person hides from his or her true feelings, they seem to eliminate a portion of their own personality. It is important for everyone to contribute to the world in some shape or form. However, how you choose to contribute your opinion to the world around you is what makes your contribution either valuable or a waste of time.
In a world where just about any phrase or idea has great chances of offending someone somewhere in the world, it is vital that people express themselves cautiously.
There have been a great number of times that I have remained silent over issues for fear that my argument was too big to even consider arguing. When everyone in your environment has the same opinion except for you, you tend to refrain from expressing your opposition to the popular opinion. (You referring to average people).
In writing this blog, I realize that I may be the exact kind of person that Loeb refers to in chapter one. I appreciate the courage of those who do voice their opinions about public issues, even though I do not voice my own. I am too afraid of offending others and being politically correct than simply saying what is on my mind. In today's society, this can be a good and a bad characteristic to possess. It is good that I do care about others enough to not want to offend them. On the contrary, the only successful people in today's world are usually those who are not afraid to express themselves publicly.
By completing these first few readings, I have learned something new about myself and I have also identified the amount of courage it take to speak publicly about certain issues. This book alone could turn out to be an adventure in and of itself.
--Janetta Pierce
It's interesting that you wrote you are afraid to voice your opinion, and often bite your tongue (I do the saaaaame thing). Honestly, I would have never guessed this about you in a million years. Although I agree with practically everything you wrote, I do think that people shouldn't have to bite their tongues. You mentioned that Loeb stated something about losing a bit of personality, and I agree. It's such a crappy feeling having to old in an idea or an argument, and sometimes a person can stifle themselves (this would be me). I think speaking out and expressing yourself gives a new way of thinking and learning to the others who may have a different opinion or outlook on things. I'm going to try it. and you should too :)
ReplyDeleteJanetta, I agree with you that not speaking out does hurt the soul, and it diminishes parts of a person personality. But it is important to know that sometimes there is a time and place to argue your point and a time to just let it go. I noticed that I too am similar to the person who Leob describes. I appriciate the work that others do but I also don't like offending people so I will keep my opinions to my self.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a lot of times biting your tongue might be the best thing to do. A lot of times debates may go nowhere, or you may feel unequipped to give a valid argument. I think that we should worry less about what we say and more about what we do.
ReplyDeleteWhy are all the GCC students commenting on themselves? Anyway, biting your tongue only gets worse as you getting older and you have a job or boss who drives you crazy but you need to bite your tongue for fear, you may lose your job!
ReplyDeleteI understand why it is that you don't always want to speak out in fear that you are going to hurt one's feelings. However, if everyone was like that, then nothing would change because everyone is too worried about hurting one's feelings. Speak up next time. Yes, some might not like it. But think about how many might or what positive change could take place if you did.
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