In a democratic nation, are the public’s opinions on popular issues important?

Are their viewpoints

worthwhile or are the people too badly informed or indifferent to have dependable opinions? How can the
public’s opinions be deemed worthless when in countries ruled by dictatorships, every effort is made to
keep the people in line by allowing only one point of view to be heard? Democracy relies on equal
consideration for all voices, In fact, the first amendment protects the freedom of speech and expression,
every opinion may not be correct or agreeable but every opinion carries worth by fostering democratic
values – every voice is given a chance to be heard.
In the current media environment that offers hundreds of options for getting information, people are
increasingly exposed to viewpoints consistent with their own beliefs. However, they are also frequently
exposed to viewpoints and ideas they may not have heard before. People are exposed to different thoughts
from millions of people, this allows them to think outside the box and provides an opportunity for them to
learn. Social media allows people to express their opinions freely and a recent survey proves that most
people have changed their views about social issues, such as immigration, gender equality, and even
politicians, in the last 3 years. A 49-year-old man claims that “reading controversial information, has
changed my view on this population and the social issues we experience.”
The first amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of
the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” People in
talk shows, television shows, popular magazines, web blogs, ordinary citizens, political figures and
entertainers, are all simply exercising their freedom of speech. Speaking up makes a person feel valued
and heard. One person’s strength to speak up about a controversial topic can cause ripples in the pond that
is our society. When a Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd, the video of his killing
immediately ricocheted around the web. As people took to Twitter, expressing their grief and
disappointment, a massive social movement followed. Millions took to the streets and the internet to
express a desire for racial justice in the United States, in a movement that has become encapsulated by the
viral hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.
Undeniably, not everyone who shares an opinion is worth listening to. Different people expressing
different points of views can lead to confusion, especially when nowadays, people don’t have a basis
behind their statements. On the other hand, opinions made by educated and informed individuals are
worthwhile. Singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift targeted young Americans in a lengthy message. “So many
intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right
and privilege to make their vote count,” she wrote, to her 112 million followers on Instagram. In hours,
the surge in young registrations far exceeded the combined total of every other age group.
In today’s world opinions can reach millions in minutes. Compared to the complex way of spreading
information in the past, it has never been easier to communicate. The methods of conveying messages and
making one’s opinion heard have changed drastically however, their worth has remained constant.
Opinions, thoughts, and ideas from anyone are worthwhile in any democratic nation.