National Day of Silence

For those of you who haven't heard, today is Nationa Day of Silence. The purpose of National Day of Silence is to bring attention to all the injustices of the world, namely all the voices that have been kept quiet throughout time. In other words, all the people who have been silenced because of their race, origin, ethinicity, religion, abilities, age, sexual orientations, gender identities, and beliefs. This day has been reserved (so to speak) to commemorate all those who were not able to speak out in some way shape or form. Today is dedicated to people like Lawrencre King, a young boy of 14 who was killed by another student because Lawrence was an identified homosexual. It is injustices like this that have brought many of my classmates, and other schools around the country to keep quiet today. Today we have not spoken a single word throughout the school day, nor will we until the end of the school day at 2:30 pm. At that time we will get together in the quad of our school to release the silence. To release all that we have been holding in all day. And to throw our signs in the air. (The signs say the purpose of our silence, so everyone else knows whats going on.)

I have taken today as a means to grow as a human being. I have always valued my right to speak out, but never more than today. I thank all those who made it unberable for me today by trying to make me talk. I thank my American Government teacher for asking me a question he knew I knew the answer to, knowing full well that I could not actually voice my answer. I am so furious with him!! But I thank him for that. He messed with me when I could not defend myself, and so thanks to him I now truly understand what it is like not to have a voice. I now understand what it feels like to not be able to defend myself. I now know what it feels like to feel hopeless. Thank- You Mr. B. Thanks.

In about 30 minutes I will finally be able to let go. I will finally be able to let go of all that has burned inside me since this morning. And I will be able to share my experiences with my peers and we will see what the other has learned.

I'll leave you with a request. It's not too late. You still have the rest of the day. Keep silent for the rest of the day. Make your own sign.Give yourself the opportunity to grow and to learn. Do it at home, at work, wherever you may be. Don't miss out. Support this noble cause.

Bye.