By Anna G.

When I came to the Princeton Summer Journalism Program, the first thing I heard from counselors was that disagreements and arguments are encouraged, and that this is a “safe space” for arguing. I remember the sweet and reassuring tone with which my counselor said it. But I believe that “safe spaces” for disagreement are not possible in society.

Originally, the concept of “safe space” was created in queer communities to discuss the issues they shared, but in recent years it has spread across college campuses. Some people believe that safe spaces are necessary for people not to feel triggered by sensitive topics, but they also stop people from disagreeing. When someone voices a different opinion and is judged for it, then they feel outcast, like they can’t express their opinion.

“Safe spaces” are about maintaining an easygoing atmosphere among students, where they aren’t challenged. This comfortable bubble can prevent people from learning and adapting to life’s challenges, writes Liz Stillwaggon Swan, a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder: “The fittest in the competition for survival are those that can adapt to face challenges and overcome them.”

A comfortable bubble doesn’t include outsiders’ opinions. When people are presented with a different opinion, they aren’t so likely to consider it. The avoidance of triggering topics makes this even more severe because instead of accepting challenges or respectfully debating the opinion, people will try to avoid and judge those who hold different opinions. 

Some argue that “safe spaces” prevent harm. But think about the feeling of psychological pressure when everybody is looking at you with disagreement and judgment. This proves that even “safe spaces” may feel uncomfortable for sharing opinions. There is not really a “safe space” for arguments, as nobody can regulate people’s thoughts. 

In our society, people rarely accept the fact of their wrongness, and they will judge those who have different opinions. But we can change this. By being less prideful and more accepting of other opinions, we can make our society closer to an ideal world, where understanding people are open to discussion and not judging others for their opinions.