Today on college campuses, I frequently feel that being super nice is valued more than having a strong opinion. In no way am I claiming that kindness should not be valued; nor am I saying that both kindness and having a strong opinion cannot go hand in hand. However, I feel that everyone is so worried about other people’s feelings, that being strong in one’s beliefs is less valued. Yes, it is necessary for a college campus and society as a whole to foster a system of beliefs that protect others from being discriminated against, however, that is not what I want to address. I am referring to situations in which one is strong in their belief system, but because they have different values or beliefs they are viewed less favorably.
If one is defending their beliefs without discriminating against another and is providing valid points, I think there is something to be said about that individual. Personally, I value their ability to speak of their own beliefs. Just because someone is stating a belief and feels passionate about it, does not mean that they should be viewed in a distasteful way. There should be nothing wrong with saying, “No, I disagree for these reasons,” while respecting the other individual. You are not going to agree with everyone on everything and that is how life works.
Often if you have a difference of opinion, than that of the majority I feel that you are viewed negatively in certain regards on college campuses. Instead of strong opinions being valued, people view those with strong beliefs in a negative light. Personally, I have more respect for the individual who is willing to stand up for their own beliefs in a room where everyone disagrees, over the individual being nice all the time because they do not want to make anyone even the least bit upset.
Again, I am not saying that you should disregard others feelings nor am I condoning circumstances that could cause a negative effect on one’s mental health. My point is that many on college campuses are afraid to say what they believe in out of fear, of how others will interpret what they are saying. Here is the thing, that many are missing out on, in my opinion, especially at Kenyon. The individual who is willing to articulate their opinion that is generally different than the mass majority does so know that the majority believes that this individual is wrong. They enter into the realm of discussion knowing that most people disagree with them.
Yet, there are still those who proceed to speak up and say I disagree. That is what is so amazing about the individual who is willing to be opinionated. They have a strong opinion on an issue and that issue to them, is so great, that they are willing to face possible ridicule. To me, that is more admirable than the individual who is always nice.
Yes, obviously the individual whom I admire the most is both kind and opinionated. However, I feel that many at Kenyon and other college campuses would still value the individual who is simply nice. Differences of opinion are no longer valued, because instead people are afraid to speak out because everyone is walking on eggshells.
In my opinion, college students are losing out in college nowadays in comparison with our parents’ generation because we cannot have important discussions, out of fear of how others will perceive us. This is why I feel that there is so much marginalization in society and on campuses. Quite frankly, it is only going to get worse because the current generation will be entering the workforce without the skills to communicate differences of opinion. Right now everyone loves the individual who is indifferent and simply nice on campus, but there is so much more to be said about the person willing to express their beliefs in a respectful and articulate manner. You cannot play the being nice card all the time in the real world, because after you graduate, you better stand for something. If not, you may face some challenges in life.
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