In this world filled with so much noise, silence can be one of the most destructive acts a person can commit. Speaking out against what is wrong may not always be easy; however, it is the only way forward as a society. Far too many problems still exist out of pure apathy, an obstructive force like no other. Sometimes our voices are the only thing we are able to lift and once in a while, that’s all it takes.
Martin Luther King, Jr. once powerfully remarked, "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” Personally, I believe this statement to be hauntingly true. The most pivotal times in history seem to, time and time again, rest on the action or complacently of decent, average citizens. From revolution to genocide; from movements for equally to individual instances of abuse; Nazi Germany to everyday bullying. Silence can be a catalyst for the deepest of pain.
I maintain the ideas that most people are inherently good and indifference is a learned trait. In fact, compassion and empathy are evolutionary qualities that can be observed in other various species in nature such as dogs, chimps and whales. In my opinion, it is society that conditions us to ignore and justify the suffering of others. It can be difficult to genuinely care or be compelled to act with so many self-serving ideologies, power structures and economic systems. We must make a deliberate choice to better serve both fellow humans and other creatures on the planet.
Educator and poet Clint Smith, in a thought provoking Ted talk, describes silence as "the residue of fear." His inspiring words throughout the speech/poem, The Danger of Silence, remind us the true impact of our words and more importantly of our silences. When it comes to issues such as homophobia, ableism or racism to name a few, we all should strive to alter the dialogue of hate and misunderstanding. It is important that we challenge the "not my problem" type attitude that can so easily take hold.
There will always be people who deny the very existence of certain problems, individuals who believe that those speaking out against oppression are themselves to blame. To me this logic is rather flawed, no challenge has ever been overcome by denial. Despite how often I may personally try, it is impossible to change everyone’s mind. However, I will never let go of the notion that each of us can make a difference, that we can be the change we wish to see in the world. Life, at it's very core, is about our choices; what will you choose to say?
I maintain the ideas that most people are inherently good and indifference is a learned trait. In fact, compassion and empathy are evolutionary qualities that can be observed in other various species in nature such as dogs, chimps and whales. In my opinion, it is society that conditions us to ignore and justify the suffering of others. It can be difficult to genuinely care or be compelled to act with so many self-serving ideologies, power structures and economic systems. We must make a deliberate choice to better serve both fellow humans and other creatures on the planet.
Educator and poet Clint Smith, in a thought provoking Ted talk, describes silence as "the residue of fear." His inspiring words throughout the speech/poem, The Danger of Silence, remind us the true impact of our words and more importantly of our silences. When it comes to issues such as homophobia, ableism or racism to name a few, we all should strive to alter the dialogue of hate and misunderstanding. It is important that we challenge the "not my problem" type attitude that can so easily take hold.
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