Well now, this is always a difficult one. We should be able to say whatever we like without being judged, criticised, held to account or even physically assaulted but whatever culture we live in there are limits on what we are ‘allowed’ to say. After all, wat we say is only an expression of our thoughts, our experiences and those are what we’re here to share. But what we say can get us crucified, executed, put to death or at the other end of the scale ‘sent to Coventry’ (look it up!).

The problem is many people in whatever culture we inhabit don’t want to hear what we have to say, don’t want to hear ‘our’ truth, what we believe. They are ‘close minded’, they’ve cut themselves off from their purpose of being on the planet, which is to learn, to learn from the experiences, beliefs and understandings of others. They may hear what we say but can’t listen, evaluate and decide for themselves to accept or reject the words, the thoughts, coming from someone else.

This is sadly not just about individuals but also collectives, organisations, companies, governments. They don’t take kindly to those they see as ‘their’ ‘’members’ not toeing the ‘party line’. Sometimes people engage in ‘healthy debate’ but it doesn’t usually end well.

There is however a secret, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it, and to whom you say it. Preaching to the converted is one thing but there are channels we can use to reach those who’d normally reject our ideas because we’re passing them on by a different route. Examine music, art, writing and drama – especially ‘science fiction’ – and you’ll see what I mean.