The right to withhold opinion.

In my country, the 13th General Election is in progress. Naturally this becomes quite a hot issue, amongst all supporters of all parties. But is it really necessary to talk about all of this?


Although I am too young to vote as of the current moment, If I did have the chance, I would not take it, as a symbol to show that I do not care who becomes the next ruling party, as long as the party treats the citizens of my country well enough. No government is perfect. Even the tax-free ones.

I, as one whose opinion sways as a pendulum strikes, am someone who always feels left out in any such argument. Whenever I sit together with a group of my friends, and the topic switches to politics, I will either remain at an awkward silence, or find an excuse the leave the group, not any less awkwardly. But do I really have to feel awkward?

Surely, freedom of speech allows everyone to speak everything, but sometimes, I believe that it is too risky to blatantly state our opinions, as people would draw a map of you as you speak. They might stereotype your other opinions based on a single one.

The gist of this article is to say that even though we are allowed to speak our mind, we should sometimes also exercise the right to withhold such opinions, especially if stating them may cause our own harm. We need to be more tactful, an observe our surroundings before speaking.