Controversy, this generation’s biggest fear, is constantly a hot topic in the online world of social media. In an era of getting canceled and speaking your mind is deemed hate speech for the simple fact that others might disagree with it, high school is only getting tougher for students. As a member of the Crimsonian, I’m glad to say I have the opportunity to write this article for those with the same thoughts and feelings. Before I fully delve into the intricacies of this article, I’d like to point a few things out. One is the common and constant underlying fear of standing out in the wrong way. From the time we’re born we have it shoved down our throats that we need to be “uniquely you” and that “we’re all one-in-a-million,” but quite frankly, that’s not true.

   Now, before too many parents get mad at me for speaking the truth, everyone does have traits that are special to them. However, that doesn’t mean you’re the next Beyoncé, Hawking, or Jordan. Standing out is about more than your looks and talents; although those things do help, the best way to stand out is to stand up. Whether it’s fame, fortune, or change you’re after, it’s inherently easier to get them when you’re not scared of the truth. I’ll admit from first-hand experience that it’s very hard to speak your mind and push against the grain of the crowd. As someone who has always been seen as a leader (or just obnoxious if that’s your prerogative), I know what it’s like to be the designated spokesperson for a group. In our current world of misinformation and the mob mentality, speaking your mind can be seen as a negative trait.

   I refuse to believe that. Ask anyone with truly good intentions how many times they’ve been called selfish, loud, mean, rude, stubborn, disrespectful, unprofessional, manipulative, and a multitude of other words with negative connotations just for defending themselves and/or others. Working hard for what you want and not letting anyone get in the way of it is not a bad thing. Anyone who views it as such is likely highly insecure or jealous. There’s an enormous difference between using/stepping on others to succeed and being determined and goal-oriented. This all circles back to being able to speak your mind. Some people tear down others for doing what they are scared of.

   On the other hand, not everyone is intimidated by outspoken people; some are just too shy to show how they feel. Being scared to self-advocate isn’t an excuse not to though. You can accomplish a lot without vocally proclaiming so. For example, take the Crimsonian. Anything I type out I’d be more than happy to say in real life (and more). That’s not the case for everyone though, some people choose to remain anonymous or incredibly neutral to a fault. I believe that if you can, you should and that applies to most things, including taking every chance to say what you need to. It’s, for lack of a better word, annoying to watch people talk about the same things over and over again with no new opinions.

   All in all, my best advice is don’t be scared of opinions, especially your own. You will never get anything done if you live in fear. Everything that’s deserved lives on the other side of a metaphorical obstacle course. Don’t waste your time trying to be a people pleaser, life is short, you only get one, take full advantage of it. At the end of the day, you make your own decisions and you can’t always rely on others to help you. Pick your case and fight for it, don’t let anything get in your way. Some battles will be harder than others but if you start one, you can finish it. The problem is knowing which ones to fight. Use the voice you were gifted with and quit throwing shots away, even missed ones lead to improvement.