A common phenomenon that has become a detestation of mine is censorship within spaces that are supposedly dedicated to solutions, truth, or even "just picking brains". I understand placing certain parameters on what can be said in a client- or viewer-facing space, especially within the confines of enterprise or when someone is acting in a position of power. This adds a certain level of security to the respective organization's public appearance. However, I am of the opinion that on a local level or in a private setting, free thought and the verbalization thereof should not only be appreciated but encouraged. Furthermore, if that free thought travels to uncomfortable or “taboo” spheres, I find it imperative nonetheless that we allow people to verbalize what is in/on their minds. Shutting down this verbalization is a net negative in a private setting. Instead of using reason and explaining WHY a certain train of thought is flawed—or even dangerous—the individual is being taught to shut down reason when uncomfortable topics arise in conversations that vary in degrees of visibility. Let people flesh out their ideas. If you disagree, explain why. If you don't have a "why", then say that. In most situations (exclusions including life-or-death scenarios), "I don't know" is an excellent answer.
When I wrote “free thought”, I considered it understood that context matters. I wasn't referring to saying any and everything that comes to mind (although there may be times when that is the objective—think a writer’s room for a comedy sketch). However, I wanted to highlight the instances in which a topic that is not necessarily emotionally and/or ethically satisfying to the individual is introduced. I think we should strive to be/become comfortable with intentional or unintentional challenges to our beliefs—especially to the beliefs that are nonconsensual (in the “there’s no [scientific] consensus” sense) and/or require the concession of an opposing view in certain respects. Wrestling with our beliefs in spaces that don’t restrict the verbalization of thought helps others learn to think rationally and at least UNDERSTAND the PROCESS of justifying certain sentiments—and the potential application of these sentiments—within the context of a given society.
I hope to see more people challenge those who try to shut down difficult conversations. I also hope to see more people encouraged to reach out and converse candidly on issues within spaces that don’t restrict free thought or the verbalization thereof. We are experientially—and consequently, perspectively—none of us the same, after all.
Tags: free thought, reason, censorship, verbalization, intellection