When I strike up a conversation about political issues with my friends, the conversation soon dries up and gets awkward. My peers rarely state their views on politics, just saying political buzzwords occasionally. Although we’re allowed to share opinions on news or current affairs programs, it is an implicit rule not to talk about politics among twentysomethings. Likewise, it is uncomfortable to debate the issue of women’s rights since we’ve witnessed the beginning of feminism. Even though feminism is just a point of view, there has been too much bickering on this issue, so feminist now sounds like a word that indicates people with an extreme bias.
  What makes me feel this way? The reason is that we are fearful of having different opinions. The words ‘different’ and ‘wrong’ are obviously different in the English language, yet Koreans often confuse those words in Korean language. This absurd but common mistake demonstrates how exclusive our society is. We have been affected by periods of military dictatorship in which people were prohibited from liberally presenting their thoughts. Therefore, people who talk about political issues from their unique points of view compared with members of notorious web community sites, such as Ilbe and Megalia, and people who are afraid of being doubted remain silent.
  By contrast, the planning meetings at the CBT, which I’ve participated in for the past 2 years were an opportunity to state my opinions about politics. Any I had brought for my articles were usually refuted, and I also confidently disputed with my peers. Ironically, after those aggressive discussions, the materials for articles were so brilliant that newspapers reported on those issues. This is because the reporters presented ‘different’ opinions rather than designating others’ opinions as ‘wrong’.
  Finishing my term in the CBT, I feel sad about losing chances at debates. On the other hand, I want to debate political issues not only in the CBT but also in a classroom with my classmates or at a café with my friends. I long for a new society where people are generous enough to listen to different opinions so that everyone can chat about serious topics with people freely.