I am afraid to write about Politics and here’s why

We live in a world where it’s kind of a requirement to be politically active, which is

the most principled thing to do, right? So what happens when you’re afraid to
share your thoughts? What about those people who just want to keep their
opinions to themselves? Does that automatically make you unworthy? Ignorant?

There is this constant fear that if you say just one wrong word,
suddenly you’re a disgrace. Aren’t we all just learning?

Social media such as Twitter and Facebook have been the biggest platforms for
people to express themselves, especially their political stance. But along with all
these opinions come the shame. We live in a democratic country, which means we
have the freedom to choose — but of course, we have to choose wisely because our
decisions not only affect today, but also the future. Our choices today can change
our lives and of the future generations. However, people have been shamed and
condemned just because they have contrasting opinions.

The thing is, I believe that everyone can make their own choice, especially when it
comes to picking their candidate. But, I think that we should always remember
that whoever we choose and whatever it is they do in the years to come is going to
be on our plate — our responsibility.

But honestly, seeing how cruel this world can be, it’s terrifying to say something.
Knowing that there are billions of people who can instantly define and label you as
ignorant, entitled, classicist, enabler, and the like.

You see, the ‘cancel culture’ can be brutal to some extent. When people see that you
support this person or that person, immediately people can throw ruthless
comments about you and not just that, even comments about the smallest detail
about you will be called out.
But think about this, what if we used our freedom of speech to communicate
instead? It seems like people have been too aggressive with their words towards
others. What if social media was a safe space for people to converse? To have
healthy and informative discussions?

As the saying goes, “Respect begets respect,” in order for people to listen, we have to
do it in a way that’ll show them respect. We can’t always attack them like a bull
towards a red flag, otherwise, they’d just do the same.

We have the ability to educate those who are in the wrong. Why should we shame
them when we can open their eyes to the truth. Yes, it will be difficult, but no one
said it would be impossible.

Our words are weapons, not to disgrace but to enlighten.

Speaking up can be daunting, but we can remedy it if we create a space where

people can be free to say what they want and know that there will be people who
will support them and even educate them.

It’s mortifying to be told you’re wrong, but isn’t that a way for us to learn and
make better choices? Owning up to the responsibility of lacking in knowledge and
ensuring that we'd never be as ignorant as we were yesterday.

I am not afraid to speak my mind just because of bashing — which is undeniably a

part of life. Moreso, I am afraid that I am not fully knowledgeable on the topic. Our
words are powerful, once it’s out there, there’s no turning back, hence, I want to
make sure that whatever I say is true and factual. So instead of blurting out
complete nonsense, I educate myself and I continue to learn.

I might be in a position where I get the chance to publish pieces about my political
opinion, but I am still learning how to quash my fears day by day. I'm just one
voice and maybe that's enough for this quiet second but we still need everyone to
spark a change.
Charlize Hernandez is a sophomore taking up Business Economics at the
University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila. She is currently the Secretariat
Director of the local student council in the UST College of Commerce and Business
Administration. At-present, she is the Opinion Editor for Balangay. She balances
her academics with her passion for service and journalism.