“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” ― Ernest Hemingway

My opinions are my own, different from anyone else’s. I know I will offend and delight people.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, popularly known as Mormons. At times, we are seen as unforgiving people of the changing world, since we haven’t and will not change our stance on currently changing topics.

I’m telling you this not because it hurts me, but because that fact that I am proud in my beliefs, people begin to shut me out or try to prove me wrong. They don’t even give me a chance to talk, trying to force what they believe on to me.

I’ve sat over a weekend trying to come up with a topic that will convince you to hear my side. It’s hard when no one ever listens to me anyways. They hear me, but they do not actually listen.

Standing up for your beliefs and opinions is tricky. We live in an individualistic society. We control each other for everything, to the last turn signal you made to how you voted in the recent election. Someone is judging you right over your shoulder to make you second guess everything and be afraid.

The truth is, we all are. We are scared, terrified even, on what the person beside us has to say about us or to us. No matter what we say, we will offend even the tiniest mouse, all the way up to the roaring lion.

Every voice is important. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The whole reason for the First Amendment is for us to freely display our thoughts and emotions. We abuse that right by stopping others from doing the same.

People who speak out, claiming their voice or way of life isn’t heard, aren’t letting others state their opinion if it doesn’t agree with them. They point fingers for acceptance, when they aren’t accepting in return.  

In my middle school art class, the topic of accepting people for who they love came up one day, and everyone at my table began saying their opinion. When I began to say my opinion, one girl heard a few words she didn’t like, and shut me down saying I was wrong.

This happens to me often with my beliefs.

Like in that art class, the topic of gay marriage comes up, a controversy in the country. I believe in marriage between a man and a woman. That is my belief. I do not push away those who believe otherwise. Though I disagree with you, I still accept you for who you are or what you believe.

People don’t let me get that far in my opinion. They hear the first part and begin to shut it down to let them speak because their opinion “isn’t heard”. I hear you fine.  

Just because we have different values and beliefs, why is there a need to tear the other down?

This hypocritical way of moving forward in the world, is only getting us into more disputes. No one’s true voice can be heard. We are an “it’s my way, or no way” society. Listening more and gaining more knowledge on topics before opinions are made, is the solution in sight.

Opinions are important. Hurting feelings, or agreeing with them, comes with every word out of the mouth. By taking a step back and listening, can only help. By getting down to the end of this article, you are already taking that step.