We have established that the principle "Feel free to say (or write) anything you want" refers to content and not to form: i.e. it doesn't mean "say it any way you want."
Discussion: would you interpret the principle to mean: "Say (or write) the first thing that comes to mind?'
1) ADD YOUR COMMENT FIRST, THEN REPLY TO THE COMMENT POSTED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOURS. ("What should I do if I am the first person to comment" Then you are out of luck. No one to reply to.)
2) ADD ANOTER REPLY TO ANY COMMENT YOU WANT, BUT WAIT UNTIL AT LEAST 15 STUDENTS HAVE COMMENTED. (You, first person to comment: here is your chance.)
I would not interpret the principle we have established as stating, "say the first thing that comes to mind". I think in certain situations if the first thing that comes to mind is a clear point that can be read and understood by others for intellectual conversation then you may write it. If that were not the case, I would take the time to promulgate a more sophisticated response.
ReplyDeleteJulius, I agree with you. Unfortunately, intellectual conversations are not for everyone. I accept the fact that all people are needed, intellectuals or not. One's perception of the surroundings depends mostly on the environment. But it is the one's choice to change it if it is possible.
DeleteIf I were to say or write anything I want, then I would be totally out of any established principles of society. It is better to think first, before expressing yourself, especially if English is a second language as it is in my case. I always try to carefully construct my thoughts in order not to embarrass myself, as D'Angelo described in his book, when he first started to communicate with people in English. Also, native speakers are examples for me, I look up to them, therefore always expect intelligent responses.
ReplyDeleteSyeda Jafri
DeleteI would have to agree because when we have let's say a discussion about something, people would probably assume that i i gvie a answer that is well thought of. That's the way our society works. First a perosn think's their thoughts in their heads and then speaks.
Syeda Jafri
ReplyDeleteI don't think i would be able to interpet the meaning of say what come's to my mind first. The reason being that sometime's the thought coming to mind wouldn't be relavent to the topic we are discussing. Or it wouln't completely make sense because i hadn't thought over my thought. I hadn't thinked it through before i stated my opinion.
I completely agree with you. Sometimes our immediate reactions aren't always the most coherent or logical and it is very beneficial to gather one's thoughts together before acting.
DeleteI'm with you on this. My mind wanders too often for me to literally write the first thing that comes to my mind.
DeleteI agree, I think we should think it out first before we say it and make sure it is correct. Rather then just saying the first thing that comes to mind.
DeleteI agree, if you literally take the first thing that comes to mind, the conversation would not stay on topic for too long.
DeleteI would not interpret the principle this way because one should take time to gather their ideas before writing a response to something. Like we discussed in class, a lot of the time one's immediate reaction to something is an emotional one rather than a logical one. I think it is very important to take time out to sort out one's thoughts before doing anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. From what I read I see that you also collect your thoughts before writing. What you were trying to say came out clear and concise.
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ReplyDeleteI would not interpret it to mean to write the first thing that comes to mind. I believe “write what you want” definitely has rules. One of those rules being that people have to know what you are saying. One of my professors called writing the first thing that comes to mind brain vomit. I start writing down my ideas they are unsound to anyone who is not me. I can simply write down one word. In my mind one word I write down can leads to complex ideas and it is my job to translate those ideas so that other people can understand. Even when I consciously try to make an argument, it can still be unclear. Write what you want means to write what you want others to understand. The first thing that comes to mind is not the best way for people to know what you want to say.
ReplyDeleteI would interpret “feel free to...” as write anything you want. As long as it's coherent, the content should be free-flowing and unfiltered.
ReplyDeleteI agree and share the same views. It's definitely different from what we are used to as students.
DeleteI think we should all feel free to write and say what we want. But I think it is important to think before you do so because of how it will come out. I think that it is hard for some people because of their way of speaking. They may talk in a way that may be offensive to others or come out the wrong way rather then what was meant. I know for myself sometimes I don't think and just say it and it doesn't come out right or is interpreted differently.
ReplyDeleteI see this happen all the time, I try to think about what they have said before becoming offended because majority of the time they don't mean what they say.
DeleteI agree with you what we say depends on the situation and who we are speaking with.
DeleteI feel the same way sometimes I say something and people interpret it differently from what I really meant to say.
DeletePersonally I tend to speak better on the spot than when I stop to gather my thoughts. Once your thoughts have been gathered you may have forgotten the words you originally were going to say and rather than sounding intelligent you may sound simple and dull as if you rehearsed it in your head. (This is at least what tends to happen with me.) The question is, can we talk in a clear manner where our words will not be misinterpreted?
ReplyDeleteI love the end! "The question is, can we talk in a clear manner where our words will not be misinterpreted?"
DeleteI see how this can happen. When I first have an idea it sounds great to me but once I start manipulate it too much I lose the sincerity of the initial idea. I guess this is the flip side of collecting your thoughts.
DeleteIts ok to say what first comes to mind as long as it is slightly polished meaning that is appropriate for the setting and person you are speaking with. I think it is easier to express things that are simple and to the point so there is no miscommunication.
ReplyDeleteSyeda Jafri
DeleteThat's a good point being said. If we were to say something without having it thought through in our heads, then we should make sure it's said in a way that wouldn't sound rude/inapppropriate.
I completely agree.
DeleteFor me I have to think first and try to gather my thoughts and then say it. I also think its better that way because my opinion will be clear.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your method. Possibly thinking before you speak so you can say something in a concise manner.
DeleteI feel that commenting the first, raw idea that comes to mind is refreshing. It gives me a sense of freedom to say exactly how I feel without worrying about being judged on my response.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the sense of freedom to say how exactly you feel at that time.
Deletealthough i'd love to live by this, I feel like if I don't gather my thoughts, I end up saying things that may come off the wrong way- or thoughts I wish I could take back, not always but sometimes.
DeleteOnce again totally agreeing with Diana, it depends on the person! There are people out there who have more harsh ideas or thoughts than others...without modifying ones immediate reaction, there is potential for social obliteration.
DeleteSometimes I think about a certain question or what is talked about a little to much. But sometimes its an impulse to answer to a question that is being asked or talked about without even thinking about it within seconds.
ReplyDeleteThe more we think, the less chances we have on getting it right.
DeleteKazi, if your statement were true, than today we would still believe that the Earth is flat.
DeleteWe should answer to something without thinking to hard, which might lead to the wrong solution. A good example would be taking a multiple-choice test, when we choose an answer than go back and change it to the wrong answer.
ReplyDeleteyes!
DeleteI think once you gather your ideas collectively you can follow through with what you want to say. We come into conflict with our thoughts because the longer we think about something, the more our ideas become scattered.
DeleteOften we misinterpret what is asked when we respond with whatever is on our mind. Everyone will agree that they get sidetracked from a question by saying what is on their mind. When you write what you want it falls closest to the subject being discussed, not literally what you're thinking;only regurgitating facts in a new light. Saying what you want would be more opinionated. It would fall under expression; a reflection of your ideals. Some might have a different perspective, lets agree to disagree.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty cool way to look at it. I tend to agree!
DeleteI don't think it is a bad thing to ever say what comes to mind. If anything, it just means you have no filter but I think you learn lessons the best way this way.I feel like the more you dwell and think about something, the more you doubt yourself and than you end up wrong.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed. Say what you feel- think about it first but not too deeply where your thoughts will change
DeleteThe principle I believe shouldn't be taken so seriously. Yes of course, you shouldn't treat it without respect. In other words, give it a little thought before you speak but then again, don't over think your thoughts. Allowing a few moments to gather your thoughts before posting can improve the way you carry out a message or idea.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Diana, as this is the only way to have a civil and meaningful conversation with someone. When we premeditate our thoughts for too long I believe things get sloppy, and when we don't take the time to think at all...we might end up talking about our political views (and that's never good)
DeleteHaving been a student in public institutions for over 16 years, it was always suggested to share your "thoughts" meanwhile frowned upon when the thoughts were opposed to popular belief (there is ALWAYS a popular belief) I have found that speaking openly and freely, is significantly more excepted when our thoughts are what the majority is also saying.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you. We have our say but then get looked at like we are crazy for saying what we wanted to say.
DeleteYeah, political correctness is a drag. It would be much better if people could just speak their minds without fear of being spurned.
DeleteVery interesting how each cartoon we had to watch shows what we have been learning so far in class. Basically the
ReplyDeletedifferent view of Italians American.
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ReplyDeleteLike the professor said in class, write what first comes to mind or else, when you start thinking too much, it starts to change your ideas and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear the phrase "say the first thing that comes to mind" I can only interpret it in one way and that is whatever your thinking first say it, don't hold back
ReplyDeletePeople should be able to speak freely and say what exactly is on their minds. Do not hold back. People should be able to speak about what they believe in and what they conceive right. have no filter. Go crazy. Let it all out.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree but it should be done in a refined way
DeleteI feel that people should have the right to say what and how they feel but still thinking before they speak (or write) because something's can come off offensive. Always think before you speak no matter what
ReplyDeleteyou should always think before doing something or saying something. depending on how you talk with someone good or bad can affect how they feel like talking to a friend or talking to a stranger who is not use to how you talk.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100 percent frankie boy god bless
DeleteAs humans, we naturally say what comes to mind very quickly, but that doesn't always mean its OK. There are to me anyway, certain situations where you require little thought before you speak or say something, and then their are situations where you've really got to think before you say something or express an opinion, depending on who you are speaking with, and what the topic is. For instance, if I am out one night and see a buddy of mine, usually when we greet we say the first thing that comes to mind, and usually what comes to mind isn't what you would call suitable conversational words. In that situation I am familiar with whom I am speaking with so it is OK for me to say what it is that I want, without any or little thought to what I am going to say.In other situations, especially at work or at school, when speaking to an authority or to someone who has a strong feeling about a certain topic, we must really give thought to what we will say. We in these situations, face consequences or can really start an argument or hurt someones feelings if we do not think before we speak/act.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true!!
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