This is a guest post from GLSEN Holiday:
In some communities there are people who oppose the Day of Silence (DOS) for various reasons. If you're looking for ways to address critics here is a bit of information.
What do you have to say about potential opponents to the Day of Silence?
The issue at hand is the bullying, harassment, name-calling and violence that students see and face in our schools. The Day of Silence is an activity created and led by students to educate their peers and bring an end to this harassment.
More info can be found on the Day of Silence FAQ page.
Those who do not support the Day of Silence often protest, but rarely contribute positively to finding ways to end anti-LGBT harassment. Some individuals and groups organize events in response to the Day of Silence. These folks sometimes misunderstand and frequently mischaracterize the basic purpose of the Day of Silence. Bringing attention to opponents only adds false credibility to their misinformation about the Day of Silence, GLSEN and the thousands of American students taking action on April 17th.
If you face hostile students or organizations in your school on the Day of Silence remember to remain calm. GLSEN encourages you to not get into a debate, make gestures and certainly not to get into a physical altercation. If you continue to be harassed, we advise you to contact your GSA advisor or other ally school staff person.
GLSEN looks forward to engaging all organizations and individuals who share the Day of Silence vision of schools free from anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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18 comments:
The problem though is that we are trying to open the eyes of those who are adament in their ways and will not change.
i think that its great that poeple are doing this to help others. this is america and people say that america is here to accept people no matter what race or gender. its the country of equality and believers. the people that support america but go against the Day Of SIlence are just plain hipercrits.
What makes GLBT special? All sorts of other groups are belittled and marginalized on campus. I see it all the time. Not-well-to-do, Blacks, Asians, Latinos, Christians, Muslims, etc... Do they all merit a special day?
I agree with the bottom post. My son is short and is picked on everyday. When does he get his day?
Regarding the prior two posts - there is nothing preventing you from organizing a day for your kids. If it is a problem, then by all means take action instead of just claiming victim. This is America, stand up for yourself.
For the people who commented above me: What you are saying is true, but at least LGBT is DOING something about our problems and not complaining about them.
To the Anonymous critics:
RE: GLBT being "special" - The existence of Day of Silence doesn't prevent any other individual or group from holding their own day of recognition or commemoration. If you feel you need one, by all means start your own campaign.
RE: People who are picked on or bullied for reasons other than being gay - That is poor behavior no matter who is the target of the taunts.
Discouraging others from speaking out against a type of abuse THEY'RE experiencing just because you don't speak out against the type of abuse you or someone else experiences doesn't solve anything.
Sexual orientation is arguably a bigger part of one's identity than height.
As opposed to what the person above me said I hardly ever hear any kind of racist remarks at my school (located in GA, far from the most progressive state), and I find it hard to believe there really is in his. Also contrary to his statement there is definitely not any kind of mass hate against Christians what so ever over here. Infact the only group you mentioned that I ever hear anything really said about is Muslims. We can blame ignorance coupled with the news, and stereotypes for that.
You do however hear "gay", and "fag" used constantly to describe things or people students around here disagree with. Seriously you quite literally can't go ten minutes without hearing it. Which is exactly why this day exists.
Anyway there is no one stopping any group from having a 'special day', most of them just don't need it currently. Hence why they don't organize one. It's not like the GLBT community was the first to ever organize a day of protest you know.
id really love to participate, but im not sure if my teachers will go for it. the worst thing u can imagine happening would be having to break my silence....
do i have the constitution on my side?
I am doing DOS tomorrow and I'm very excited as me and about 20 of my friends are doing it. But you all say why don't they get there day...
well you could always make one, and the GLBT isnt accepted natrually as much as someone who is straight and overweight, or straight and poor. If you know what I mean?
Thanks to this event, I received three Saturday detentions last year for saying the word "gay". Not only does the DoS make me oppose homosexuality even more so than I did before, but now I also oppose the people participating in the DoS. If you want to make a point, say it. Not talking for a whole day just makes my day better. Hell, I won't have to listen to the gay/lesbian preaching for a whole day!
(regarding previous post)your receiving detentions is not the fault of the GLBT. It's the fault of you, for using it as a derogatory comment.
For all the people saying "My kid is short when is his day?" or "I see it in other kids black white etc." No one is stopping you from making a day.
I have 3 teenagers and they are hetro - but we all have friends who are not. All of us have decided to be silent and make badges to wear so that everyone knows that we support the day of silence.
Problem with this is that there are many schools that don't have a GSA or any ally that people can turn to.
I attend a school in the deep south and we do not have a GSA or similar club to turn to, but I got a group of student together and friday will be our 2 DoS to host dispite not have a DoS. Last year we started planning 3 days before had and had about 250 people involved in a school of over 800. This year we started planning 8 weeks early and are already expecting to pass last years participantion.
I am getting most of my friends to help me! Some of them don't undertand Gays and such but there open minded. Its very hard not to say anything when it happens. But today show some love for what the others go through!
Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you stand alone.
:)
I've been silent :)
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