Silence. A choice. Repercussions. History. The present. Individually, these words can take on hundreds of different connotations given certain contexts. Together, they symbolize the unfortunate circumstances we have come to recognize as “the way things are.” Ironically, this is never the case. There are always hidden truths, underground efforts and, of course, silent citizens. We need to end the loud silence before the roar of inequality deafens our ability to make a change. Those who see, feel and hear a problem, yet never raise their voices to instigate change, contribute to society’s issues more than those actively and loudly seeking progress.
How? Through their silence. Actions speak louder than words. Silence is an action. Choosing to keep one’s opinions about important aspects of our culture to oneself is not helping anyone. Granted, there are times to hold one’s tongue and times to hold court. Learning the difference makes the difference. Ignoring a problem only allows for the issue to stew and encourage prejudice. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Although society in many ways has progressed tremendously in recent years, we are still many milestones from equalizing the rights of everyone. That said, we have to keep the conversation rolling forward. Silence takes us back in time. Until there is no question that everyone has access to basic human rights, our dialogues are not finished. Life is not a monologue and the script to equality shouldn’t be either. Let’s learn our lines and voice them proudly. The scenery need not be pretty nor perfect. What it needs is a passion for progress.
Something we must not forget, though, is the skill of listening. Listening to others is equally as important as voicing our own opinions. Equality is about respecting the views, beliefs and customs of those around us. If we do not turn down our own volume to hear others, then we are not sharing the platform. Society’s progress is not made individually, but rather, collectively.
Diversity makes life interesting. If we were all the same, wouldn’t daily life become monotonous? Though we are all different and unique, we deserve the same basic human rights. The right to lead a fulfilled, opportune life should not be hindered in any form or fashion. Civil rights, as the name implies, are for the civility of our society. The world is vibrant, beautiful and colorful… and so are we. Life is too precious to waste in silence.
