With the 2024 presidential election upon us, it is the perfect time for vigorous, thought-provoking discussions about policy, politics and the people seeking your vote. Along with 76 others, I am taking PBPL/GOVT 30.17, “The 2024 Election,” a class that follows the election as it unfolds. The course, offered just this term, explores the various philosophies of the two main parties, examines the stakes of the election — from foreign policy to the judiciary — and helps us distill our own views on the candidates. Such a forum should, in principle, deliver excellent debate and discussion. Unfortunately, however, I have found peer-to-peer debate to be relatively muted from both students supporting Harris, a group that makes up 90% of the class, and those supporting Trump, the other 10%. No one seems willing to pitch their views, especially if they are more controversial. Perhaps that 90-10 statistic may do some explaining, but one would still expect some students to ask tricky questions of our conservative and liberal guest speakers. Instead, many students seem to find putting their views out in front of 75 other students daunting, uncomfortable or plain scary. In fact, I have found this sentiment to be shared among many students across campus, not just those in the class. For many, avoiding political discussions seems to have become a norm.
The desire to withhold one’s views is understandable for many: perhaps one’s opinions have not yet been fully formed. In that case, it may feel irresponsible to voice a random or unsubstantiated belief. But it is rather surprising that a classroom of Dartmouth students — particularly those who elected to take a class about politics — seems to be at a loss for thoughtful opinions. Indeed, Americans are some of the most fortunate people in the world to be able to elect their leader every four years in a relatively free and fair manner. There are issues with the American system, but more often than not, denizens of this world do not have such a luxury. With such a privilege, I believe that voicing one’s opinion — especially during an election year — is not just a right or freedom but also a civic responsibility. It’s a duty, if you will. As Dartmouth students, it is imperative to have these discussions, especially ones that may be uncomfortable or controversial.
This article is not meant to target any particular subgroup of people, but I want to address some concerns I have heard in conversation — concerns that may be preventing students from speaking their minds.
Because the vast majority of the Dartmouth community identifies as moderate or liberal, some like-minded students worry that their thoughts have already been said. This desire for novelty can then spiral into silence. The issue with this train of thought is self-evident and, it seems, quite real. Because this moderate to liberal group is so huge on Dartmouth’s campus, some people within it seem to take the ubiquity of their views for granted. The concept of a “silent majority” is well-known. On Dartmouth’s campus, this group seems to me a “silent super-majority.”
For conservatives with whom I have spoken, the ever-present concern of being canceled or excised from their community reigns supreme. This, I fear, is a never-ending feedback loop. The more conservatives talk themselves into this frame of mind, the less often they speak, and the less often they speak, the less willing they are to break out of their “cone of silence.” In some ways, I believe not speaking for fear of upsetting others is simply an excuse to avoid the uncomfortable situation of being in the minority or, God forbid, having to defend one’s views. People won’t like everything you say or think — that’s the real world. If you truly believe in the particular philosophy that you claim to hold, why keep it in the shadows? You do your community a disservice by refusing to enter the academic arena and provide an alternative perspective to the mainstream. Only by speaking up can you change the minds of a few people, which may spread to others over time.
I want to participate in strong, thoughtful discussions in which a conservative and a liberal can each come away with a better understanding of the other. Their minds may not be changed, but their worldviews will be enriched by exiting their echo chamber. Presidential elections only come every four years. Take this opportunity to speak your mind. Tell others what you believe and why. It may be uncomfortable, but it will be rewarding — both for yourself and for those who listen.
Opinion articles represent the views of their author(s), which are not necessarily those of The Dartmouth.
