I have been accused of lacking a filter.

Not always, because too many people cannot accept different opinions and that others may actually have them!

Unfortunately, in today's world, one must be filtered or you may suffer repercussions that could be costly (in many ways). It is why I avoid political opinions on social media or in any group discussion unless I really know the audience. Sometimes just listening is better.

I agree with Dan. Know your audience. If you aren't sure....Listen first, then listen some more. That being said, I admit to having cast caution to the wind and laid my opinion bare. After all, aren't there times when being popular and accepted is not a priority?

I agree with Dan. In today's world people are so diametrically opposed and so angry. I now test the waters before I release the filter.

My kids would say I have no filter at all. In truth I NEVER give a political opinion on any social media platform and normally try and gauge the audience before giving an opinion in a business setting. Personal or family settings - anything goes.

I share your sentiments. I don’t share mine readily. In the past week, every single client has told me their options about major current events. Shockingly!! I recuse myself from sharing.
I love the bravery-actually. Fred, remain filter-free

Unfortunately, I too refrain and/or edit. I do have friends with whom I can have respectful and enjoyable fact or policy based discussions, even if we disagree. But these are few and far between. I have found that many people have opinions based in emotion or a visceral reaction, rather than facts or logic so it’s hard to talk about things. (Ad hominem arguments - “I don’t agree with you so you’re an idiot.” Rather than talking about facts and data.) I mostly stay quiet and listen. Academia tends to be pretty limited to one perspective anyway. Most important to me is that my students form their own opinions based on supported arguments, that they can articulate the other side with equally supported discussion and that they never know where I stand one way or the other, because it doesn’t matter.
Great blog post Carly.

And I, too, admire unfiltered expression - especially if it’s respectful and supported. :)

I, unfortunately, don't usually censor myself. This came back to haunt me when the head of the board in my co-op who I greeted heartedly in the elevator, said, "I thought you hated me." I said, "I don't hate you; I hate your ideas." Which is true, she is a lovely person but her ideas about how to replace the windows in the building are pretty lousy. Could I have responded in a better way?