Not of the “popular” opinion

A photo of the famous hacktivism group Anonymous, often associated  with free speech. But by hacking the websites of groups they disagree with, aren’t they in a way suppressing free speech? (Photo: Vincent Diamente, CC SA BY 2.0)

There is a “popular opinion” in our generation and culture. And if you’re not of the popular opinion, well, screw you.

It’s ironic because our generation is one that prizes human rights, and this includes freedom of speech and thought. We fight for people’s freedom of thought – oh, but only if you have fashionable thoughts. We fight for people’s freedom of religion – oh, but only if it’s the fashionable religion.

Freedom of speech means, well, freedom of speech. If someone doesn’t believe in gay marriage, they are allowed to say it, even if you’re uncomfortable with it. Now, there’s a difference between this and hate speech. While I think it’s acceptable for someone to voice their opinion against gay marriage under the doctrine of free speech, it’s unwarranted for them to start verbally assaulting gay people.

But, of course, the line between this stuff is a blurry grey.

I’ve realized that some of my opinions are not the “popular” opinion (side note: I fully support gay marriage! Go rainbows!). Which is odd, because I used to think I was an agreeable person… Most of the time, though, I don’t even know what my opinion is; I’m just able to look at both sides of things. I simply enjoy contributing an alternative argument to the conversation. And I feel so judged. (Or perhaps it’s just fashionable to hate devil’s advocates.)

Welcome to our so-called progressive generation.