Susan's Place Transgender Resources

General Discussions => General discussions => Topic started by: togetherwecan on April 19, 2007, 10:03:40 AM

Title: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: togetherwecan on April 19, 2007, 10:03:40 AM
Because that's all we get?

Don't get me wrong, the National Day of Silence is a good thing - even all 3 of my kids take part in it, but isn't silence a big part of the issue? So we get a National day for exposure to the issues, challenges, and hurts of intollerant discrimination, but silence doesn't lend voice to educating and understanding. Silence lends to keeping the secret. Does it not reinforce TG as a hush hush issue?

Wouldn't GLBT issues be better served with a National Day of GLBT Support and Understanding? A Day when schools taught specifics and offered support while teaching understanding?
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: Wendy on April 19, 2007, 10:50:02 AM
TWC,

Sharing what you believe can bring harm to yourself.

In fact if you act as you feel and do not harm anyone else it can bring harm to yourself.

People are scared.

W
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: togetherwecan on April 19, 2007, 11:34:41 AM
Quote from: Wendy on April 19, 2007, 10:50:02 AM
TWC,

Sharing what you believe can bring harm to yourself.

In fact if you act as you feel and do not harm anyone else it can bring harm to yourself.

People are scared.

W

Such is so with any minorty. It is the same even when in the majority, and it is the silence that creates the idea the majority is the minority...look at current American politics.
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: Melissa on April 19, 2007, 12:15:10 PM
I hadn't realized yesterday was a day of silence, which is ironic since I was going around to some political sites and protesting my point of view about LGBT rights.  I guess I just have bad timing. :P
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: HelenW on April 19, 2007, 08:53:19 PM
Sometimes, silence can roar!

Look how many Christian Fascists it PO'd - it must be effective.  As a symbolic gesture making real the silence people have kept over the abuse and pain that GLBT young people have been subjected to over the years, I agree.

I wish I could have participated.

(silent) hugs & smiles
helen
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: cindianna_jones on April 19, 2007, 10:55:37 PM
TWC, your point is exactly the point! We do the silent thing to remind us that these issues are pushed aside, hidden from view, or swept away in bigotry.  Silence reminds us of the inaction of congress, the lack of overt discussion, and the forgotton who have died.

Cindi
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: cindianna_jones on April 19, 2007, 11:52:34 PM
The silence thing is also a way to get around "pushing the gay agenda" since you don't say anything, they've got nothing on you... just a thought.
Title: Re: Why is *silence* acceptable?
Post by: cindianna_jones on April 20, 2007, 01:01:08 AM
I have a hard time being silent. If I'm in a situation, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut.