The Silent Struggle: Fear of Expression
photo credit: fchamberslaw.com
Esther Ilori
In Nigeria, democracy is the cornerstone of governance, championing freedom of expression as a fundamental right. This principle empowers citizens to voice their opinions through various media outlets, ensuring grievances reach the appropriate authorities. Ideally, a society that fosters open communication becomes a better place for all. However, the reality of expressing opinions in Nigeria reveals a different story.
Chapter 4, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees, “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.” Yet, despite this constitutional safeguard, many Nigerians remain reluctant to share their views. The reasons are multifaceted, ranging from fear of judgement, criticism, and self-doubt to concerns about punitive repercussions. This reluctance is not limited to the general populace but is also prevalent among students, a demographic often heralded as the future leaders of the nation.
In educational institutions, where intellectual discourse should thrive, the fear of expressing opinions is alarmingly evident. Many students shy away from participating in interviews or answering questions, either ignoring them altogether or responding with noticeable hesitation.
Interviews with students reveal insightful perspectives on this issue. Kehinde Adedeji, a 400-level student from the Department of Linguistics, highlighted some factors that inhibit students from freely expressing their views. According to him, difficulties in articulating thoughts and the fear of providing incorrect responses are significant barriers.
Similarly, Ibukunoluwa Abiodun, from the Department of Communication and Language Arts, pointed to students’ uncertainty about the appropriateness of their opinions, fear of judgement, and concerns about how their views will be received. “Hesitation often stems from not knowing if an opinion aligns with societal expectations,” she noted.
Samuel Prince, a 400-level student from the Department of English, attributed this hesitation to the fear of backlash. “It’s about how the public might perceive you,” he explained. “Sometimes, it’s just the feeling of not wanting to share too much about yourself.”
These students also shared their personal struggles with expressing opinions. Kehinde admitted to feeling hesitant during interviews, especially when faced with challenging questions. “The nature of the questions often determines my response,” he confessed. “Sometimes, I skirt around the subject to avoid hitting the nail on the head.” Similarly, Samuel acknowledged deflecting questions to avoid discomfort.
Ibukunoluwa offered a different perspective: “I sometimes pause to reflect or just come out honest about the question,” she said, emphasising the importance of authenticity despite the fear of judgement.
Public opinion is a vital tool for societal growth, offering insights into collective concerns and potential solutions. For students, overcoming the fear of expressing opinions is crucial for fostering an environment of open dialogue and constructive criticism.
Kehinde suggested practical tips to help students build confidence in interviews. “Understand the questions being asked, learn the right approach to answering them, and remain open-minded,” he advised. He also recommended reading tips on effective communication to prepare for such situations.
Samuel emphasised the role of trust in overcoming fear. “Building a sense of trust with others can help you feel more confident in sharing your opinion,” he said.
The fear of expressing opinions is not just a personal hurdle but a societal challenge. It stifles dialogue, innovation, and progress. Addressing this issue requires collective efforts from educators, policymakers, and individuals to create safe spaces where diverse opinions can be shared without fear of judgement or retribution.
By fostering confidence and promoting open communication, we can empower citizens, especially students, to contribute their voices to the conversations that shape our society. After all, a nation’s strength lies in its ability to harness the diverse perspectives of its people.
