What happens to an UnPopular idea?

Imagine this. You are so motivated to speak up, and share your opinion with friends and all. As you prepare to claim the platform, you also realize one possible challenge. Your so-called brilliant idea may not be popular among the audience, that it may not be well-received, inviting some kind of disagreement and opposition, and you may have to bear unforeseen consequences. What would you do?

In a collectivist society like Malaysia, speakers have to play by tonnes of rules, norms, and discretion. To present an unpopular idea takes courage, persuasion, and creativity. Interestingly, some of these unpopular ideas are wisdoms, insights, and breakthroughs. Hence, to back off is absolutely out of the question!

By theory, most individuals will scrutinize the communication and cultural climate before they present their unpopular ideas. Noelle-Neumann's (1974) 'spiral of silence' explicates that people speak out when ideas are popular and become silent when they start to lose ground. Hmm...this explains why some clever ideas end up silenced and invisible.

What about you??? As much as this situation may trigger social-psychological discomfort, if you could muster enough courage, your seemingly unpopular idea can emerge as a groundbreaking claim. In other words, as there is majority vote, research shows that minority influence can also win people's hearts and conscience. Think positive+++.

Now, I invite you to take a moment to reflect and explain your stance on this trigger: In terms of percentage (0%-100%), how likely will you express your own opinion in situations when it is UnPopular?