Talking Points #3
Reflection:
The article that I read was about The Day of Silence. For those of you that don't know what the Day of Silence is, it is the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, no matter what your sexual orientation is. What happens during the Day of Silence is students across the country take a vow of silence to show the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools. The first ever Day of Silence occurred at the University of Virginia in 1996, and as of 2008, 8,000 other schools including middle schools, high schools, and universities have participated in the Day of Silence. I think that is amazing how many schools now that show their support using the Day of Silence. I bet even more schools do the Day of Silence since it is now 2012. I think all schools should implement the Day of Silence it's a great way to stop the bullying against gays, bisexuals, lesbians, and transgendered.
I remember when they were having the Day of Silence at my high school one year. I didn't know what it was, but I participated anyways because a lot of my friends were doing it. Once I found out why everyone was taking a vow of silence I continued to do my vow of silence because I wanted to show support to all of those who were bullied or harassed. I remembered being asked by multiple students if I was gay? I didn't respond obviously, but I remember thinking that who cares if I'm gay, straight, or bisexual I'm just showing my support because I don't think that it's right for anyone of any sexual orientation to be bullied.
While in school students can take the vow of silence, and most teachers will allow them not to talk for the day. In the case if a teacher asks the student a question on this day the student can't refuse to answer, and they must talk. Lastly, there are many ways to get involved with this in your schools, groups, sororities or whatever this article shows many ways to get involved. I think that schools and colleges should have this. I would like to learn more through classes at RIC. Everyone should get involved!
Comment: There is this one quote that I saw that I thought I should put on here that is very true! "I hate the word 'homophobia'. It's not a phobia. You're not scared. You're just an asshole!"
Comment: There is this one quote that I saw that I thought I should put on here that is very true! "I hate the word 'homophobia'. It's not a phobia. You're not scared. You're just an asshole!"
This video that I'm attaching is a Public Service Announcement for the day of silence.
I remember doing this in school too. My friend was confronted by other students for participating in the Day of Silence because he stood up for what he believed in. He also did it because his mother is a lesbian. It is shocking to realize that students, such as ourselves, hear homophobic remarks every day and sometimes we do not even realize it. Nor do we say anything to stop it.
ReplyDeleteI think that your post was completely on point with everything that GLSEN and other organizations are trying to get across to others. The Day of Silence act is something I believe truly makes an impact!
ReplyDeleteI remember my high school started doing this in 2005 during my sophmore year and I participated in it. This is a great day and I remember the impact it had on my school when the people that were normally big mouths were silent for a day, eerie. Too bad it wasn't every day. Great use of the poster and the video.
ReplyDeleteIt really does make a big impact on the students in all the schools. It also shows how we support people that were bullied for being gay. It should definitely be implemented in all schools! Thanks guys!
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