Aadrita Chatterji

We’re not Barbie girls, and we don’t live in a Barbie world.

We have grown up with the internet, which means that we are used to all kinds of perspectives being shared online. The moment a story breaks, influencers and laypeople alike take out their phones, turn on their cameras and give their two cents on the topic. There is nothing inherently wrong with sharing our viewpoint, but I believe that we must be thoroughly educated and informed about finances, society, politics and business. The only person who doesn’t have a strong opinion risks being labelled ‘clueless’ by others.

The Pressure To Have An Opinion

The thing is, we have the internet. We know what’s happening in the world, and we know that someone needs to do something about it. However, decisions must be made after thoughtful deliberation. Social media has made it easier for everyone to react, not respond, to everything. The moment someone says something that’s accepted by the majority, they become the ‘next Prime Minister’ of the country. When they backtrack, they are labelled traitors. There is no ‘forgive and forget’ once something lands on the internet for millions of people to comment on.

Silence, on the other hand, is often mistaken for indifference or ignorance. Our social groups, personal and professional, expect us to offer our opinion on current events. That’s when we stammer and struggle, unsure how to answer questions that require thought and consideration. We want to be part of intelligent conversations, to look informed and to be socially and professionally relevant. That’s when we fear judgment for not knowing the answer. The reality is that many topics need nuance and thoughtful reflection.

Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.

― Oscar Wilde, De Profundis

We Need To Understand The Situation First

We continue to overconsume information on the internet every minute, every day. It is easier than ever to access information about what is happening on the other side of the planet, but do we have the time, context and expertise to understand the nuances of political, business and financial decisions? Of course, we should not be completely ignorant of the realities of the world. There is a difference between taking headlines at face value and making the effort to research, understand and appreciate the subject.

Being chronically online has made us believe that we know everything, which is an illusion at best. The world’s best scientists, politicians and business leaders disagree on many things. However, they agree on one thing: our knowledge is limited. It’s okay to say “I don’t know” rather than to regurgitate what you have read on the internet. So, it’s okay to take our time, consult different, reliable sources, seek diverse perspectives and then form an opinion. Being intentional with our views is better than jumping on the next bandwagon, commenting on others, simply because it’s trending.

There is a difference between taking headlines at face value and making the effort to research, understand and appreciate the subject.

Aadrita Chatterji

It’s Okay To Keep Your Opinions To Yourself

Whenever we interact with our social groups, we find that everyone has something to say on the next business strategy, the upcoming political bill and the newest socio-cultural fiasco. It’s common for us to see people engaging in fights online, mostly on social media, with vastly different perspectives. One is right, the other is wrong. Both are wrong. Both are right. We are out there to correct people who don’t necessarily agree with us on anything, but will our anger, our outrage and our moral superiority make them change their views?

Then the question is: why are we awkward about silence? Is it a desire to be right? Is it a desire to belong? Is it a desire to connect with others despite our lack of expertise on the subject? Having an opinion or withholding one is acceptable. People change their minds throughout their lives, and even then, they choose not to perform for their friends, family or online. They choose to listen before they speak, respect people without necessarily agreeing with them and admit that they’re still learning. Knowledge earns admiration, but humility earns respect.

More opinions on a subject do not necessarily create understanding. Of course, always express what you think is right. Post your viewpoint online if it is important to you, but be respectful. Be curious about how the world works. Attend Pride Parades. Write for newspapers and magazines. Give speeches. Read books. Most importantly, listen to people. Not knowing everything is a blessing, because it gives you space to learn, have better conversations and cultivate thoughtful judgments.

Society benefits from informed opinions. Let’s be mindful, as not every issue demands an immediate response. Sometimes the most honest answer is: “I don’t know enough about this yet.”