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We’d all like to say we have steadfast beliefs. You know, those values you’ll go to bat for when someone states something contrary to them. Some people call them morals, some call them principles. Whatever they are, in theory, it’s easy to say you’ll do what’s right and what you believe in, but is that actually true?

But when life seems pretty okay and stable, are you willing to stand up for those beliefs if they’ll challenge or risk the comfort of being okay? In the end, I think that’s what standing up for something is all about. It’s easy to spout beliefs, but it’s a bit harder to actually show some follow through.

In school, you’re encouraged to speak up. You get graded on active participation. It’s easy to join groups that support trying to make a difference and challenging the status quo. Unfortunately, once you graduate, everything changes.

The “real world,” as it turns out, does not like it when you speak up. It may not even be outright, but it’s through the little feelings you get that let you know. It’s the small voice in the back of your mind warning you that if you stand up and say something there will be some sort of repercussion.

It could be the threat of losing friends. The worry of losing your job. The fear of getting arrested. Whatever it is, it’s the thing that encourages you just to fall in line. You know what, you’ll say something next time, but you’ll just let it go this time. It’s easier not to upset anyone or risk unsettling your life.

I’m here to tell you, if you don’t stand up this time, well, you’ll just fall in line next time, too. Now is the time to show the world what you’re made of. Stop putting it off, sure, there will be another chance to speak up, but if you don’t do it now, you probably never will. If you keep waiting, eventually you’ll become so indoctrinated that you’ll forget what you originally believed anyway. You’ll think the majority opinion is your own. And that makes sense. It’s pretty hard to live with yourself knowing and recognizing that you sold out. Eventually you’ll have to pretend you’ve always felt that way to sleep at night.

Your bosses are right. The government is right. It’s easy to have your values slowly chipped away at without even realizing. Everything is pretty okay for you. Let someone more affected by bullshit rules and policies deal with it.

That’s why, if you’re going to stand up and speak out, now is the time to do it. Stop putting it off. Go to that protest. Write that article. Politely tell your friend why what they’re saying is kind of problematic and troubling. Work to make things better. If something doesn’t sit right with you. Reflect on it and think about why. Figure out the bigger issues and make a game plan to fix it.

Don’t settle for what’s okay for you. Stand up for other people. Stand up for yourself. Push back on the people and structures that encourage you to shut the fuck up and fall in line. If you’re content with the okayness of everyday life and going along with the flow, then you’re part of the problem. We’re past the point where it’s okay to turn your back and pretend everything will work itself out.

It won’t. That’s the one thing I’m sure of – things won’t get better on their own.

So grow the fuck up and say something. If you won’t stand up for your one personal values and beliefs, well, no one else will, either.

Author: Dani Howell

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