Professors want to be a part of your life and really do care about how you are doing not only in their class, but in your life. Sometimes what you're trying to say doesn't always come out. There were many times that I have sat quietly in a classroom wanting to shout my opinions and wanting to be heard. If you have something to say, just say it. You'll feel much better afterward.
Words can really hurt.
And if you don't watch what you say, you might have a negative impact on someone around you. You never know when you're telling a gay joke, who in your group might be struggling with whether or not to come out of the closet. It may be your best friend or it may be an editor in chief of the Skiff. I know for many people, homosexuality is a hard thing to accept and to face. It was for me.