Although the national Day of Silence will take place this Friday on April 17, due to different school break schedules some students have already had their activities. Here are two stories students posted on MySpace:
"We sold stickers and cards as a fundraiser, and I handed out duct tape to those who wanted to tape their mouths shut and we did get a lot of negative comments. But during the last two periods the club met and there were about 30 people, which was amazing considering our last meeting was only about 15. The day was amazing, and I loved how this day just brought us all together."
Adrianne D. / Connecticut
"My club did DOS Friday April 3rd since we had spring break this week. We didn’t really get a chance to plan much but we made signs and t-shirts. Even though the posters were torn down 10 minutes after being put up almost every time, we kept putting them up and wore SHHH on our shirts.
"I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this event. It has changed the judgment from some of my friends and teachers and it was a total blast. It showed me how to handle my temper with people who don't understand the LGBT community; it showed me how to not respond to their negative responses and actions. THANK YOU!"
Emma I. / Tennessee.
6 comments:
I am not gay, I am not homophobic and I am not coldly apathetic, however I am rational above all else. The idea behind this concept is a solid one, to end the needless persecution of persons based solely on the fact that they are different, however I find the execution of this debauchery a gross one. For people to stop talking for one day in order to gain some "sense of understanding" with the people who have actually been harmed as a result of the very real intolerance is outlandish and disgusting. Phrases like "it was a total blast" demean and undermine the entire experience of what is supposed to be a jarring and somber reminder of the unfair treatment of a group of people. By even beginning to act like one has gained insight to the life of what is in many circles a social pariah based only on the completion of this little exercise, one has openly shown him or herself to be shallow and pathetic. The only way gays are ever going to be able to exist mostly (and I emphasize mostly) in a society is by taking position in government and inciting laws that offer equality and protection. In time gay and lesbian equality will hopefully become mundane and wrote fact and then and only then will it begin to trickle down to the social aspects of society. History taught us this lesson with women and black people and it is the only proven way. So, I apologize for putting a damper on your parade, but this practice is a slap in the face for all of those seeking equality through tested channels. Enjoy your victories.
I really do hope that this does make it into the blog, for an idea is only proven to be a good one if properly tested and debated from both ends. Surely the Day of Silence administrators can know the difference between constructive, helpful (albeit somewhat angry) criticism and hate mongering. I will gladly address any rebuttal to my ideas from anyone who is willing to speak rationally and cogently about the issue
It's amazing to hear these stories, to know that when I was in high school there were no clubs and no support and that these kids have such courage to stand up, to organize, and most importantly to feel proud for it, which they should. I'm continually reminded that of all of us in this movement they repeatedly are the strongest among us.
Yes. i'm bisexual and i love all. but i know its hard being who you are in a world that is so judgemental. i have been doing the Day of Silence since freshman year and i see that every year makes progress. its hard reaching out to everyone out there. but to the ones we do reach out i want to THANK YOU for your support. it means a lot to me and other that we are all coming together to make a difference in this world. i know we have tried for years but we are never going to give up. we are going to keep fighting. last year when that student was killed for being gay was horrible. i dedicated my whole day to him.
its even better when most of the school stands up together. i'm a junior and for the past three years it has been hard for others to come out and speak out. it amazes me to see people silencing the whole day to show support. i know after my high school years i'm going to keep participating an supporting all.
hey, just want you to know that you have my support, and that although I have no class friday, I will show my support through my blog and had the idea that I would not communicate via internet that day. Instead I'm posting the day before and requesting any followers do the same. What do you think?
please visit and tell me how you like it!
http://dontbeaherobill.blogspot.com
OK to the first person who commented here...i must say i half see ur point. but does that mean it goes to the same effect when we have our day of silence for abortion? I think not.
Today the Day Of Silence in being silenced at our school! We were able to wear tape to show our support for LGBT, but today they've said no. We are considered a "distraction". I cannot believe that they would do this. Our club is totally devestated!! There's nothing in the handbook saying that we can't wear tape. What can we do to stop this unfairness and bring awareness of the pain that we're suffering from due to the lack of awareness?
(Amanda Cline, Junior at Lawrence Central High School, IN)
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