Evaluative Writing

So Much Noise

In the video "The Dangers of Silence," a controversial issue has been whether to remain silent in the face of faulty opinions and human suffering or to speak up. On the one hand, some argue that silence perpetuates stereotypes and leads to societal disconnect and indifference. From this perspective, silence makes one complicit in ongoing social injustices.

On the other hand, however, others argue that a wise man or woman does not waste their breath on fools. In the words of Siddhartha Gautama, one of this view’s main proponents, “silence is golden.” According to this view, sometimes it is better to not say anything at all.

In sum, then, the issue is whether to be overtly opinionated or more reserved. My own view is that, except in the face of social injustices and human suffering, it is best to hold one's tongue. Though I concede that freedom of expression is one of our foundational rights as Americans, I still maintain that most opinions are just noise. Unless you have something nice, profound, or contributory to say, don't say anything.

For example, America is a sharply divided country, despite our self-proclaimed designation of "The United States." Although some might object that free speech enables all to voice everything that pops into their heads - outside of threats and hoaxes, of course - I would reply that too many people don't realize a difference between pedestrian opinion and expert knowledge. The issue is important because we seem to be growing more mean-spirited and less informed by the day.

References

TEDtalksDirector. (2014, August 15). The danger of silence | Clint Smith. YouTube. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiKtZgImdlY