Speaking Mute - 015 - "Accepting"

 

Have you ever felt like one day you woke up, and suddenly the whole world knows you and is watching your every move? It's powerful and intimidating, as you realize that your free will may not be entirely yours anymore. People around you start to act and take sides based on what you say or do. This is what I call 'The Speaking Mute,' an oxymoronic expression of my thoughts.

My freshman year was like a rollercoaster ride. I joined every club and auditioned for almost all of them. I was active in many clubs, starting from MUN (Model United Nations) to recently joining the Photography Club. I wanted to showcase my raw skills and get a stage to display them to everyone, benefiting from the experiences. However, what happened was beyond my imagination.

My participation in clubs was going good. My photography coverage of our college's live music events reached its peak, even though it was my first time doing it. My blogspot gained many views, with my poems and stories attracting over 100 views each week. I took it all for granted, not realizing that this sudden attention could also bring challenges.

The second semester marked the end of last year's students, and new club leaders took charge. Soon, they began targeting me for fun, and some clubs even proposed banning me as one of their agendas. The next Club followed suit. Even though it was done for fun, I found myself at the centre of controversy, and people who knew me started asking questions and gossiping behind my back. This constant attention and back-to-back issues scared me, making me consider going silent.

However, I decided to introspect and reflect on the situation. I realized that controversies and bad names come and go quickly. People forget and move on like swiping through Instagram reels. The opinions of others don't define me, and I have my own views and stances. If something I say triggers or offends someone, I urge them to have an open conversation with me or the person involved. Public statements can be misinterpreted, and private discussions can lead to better understanding.

"We do wierd and immature thing as young which doesn't mean we support still now." - Rishi Sunak 

I want people to know that these controversies are normal when you're in the spotlight or trying to be in it. People will talk, and it's essential to stay true to yourself. As humans, we all have some degree of narcissism, and it's natural to be self-centred to some extent. Change and growth are part of the process.

In conclusion, I encourage everyone, including myself, to remain true to who we are and not be affected by the opinions of others. Life will present challenges, but it's essential to focus on personal growth and learning from experiences. Let's embrace the journey and be confident in our authenticity.