We’ve received reports from a number of organizers who have suffered problems after wearing duct tape on their mouths. As a consequence we feel it is important to address this safety issue. While we have never encouraged nor endorsed wearing duct tape for the Day of Silence, we recognize that the symbolism of putting duct tape over the mouth has become quite popular amongst some DOS organizers.
Duct tape uses a very strong, water-resistant adhesive. When students attempt to take off the tape we have heard about a range of problems. In some instances there have been minor issues such as having difficulty removing the tape's glue from skin. In other more severe cases, students have experienced hair removal, rashes and skin irritation, and torn or ripped skin.
And, wearing tape over your mouth can cause unwanted resistance from your school's administration who may also be concerned for your safety. As a result they may forbid the use of duct tape or try to stop Day of Silence activities. Since the goal is to be able to have an effective Day of Silence, it may be more strategic to consider other ways of showing your support.
It's definitely not a requirement to cover your mouth for the Day of Silence, but if you want to consider using a bandanna or surgical mask. They're much safer, more comfortable and you can reuse them!
UPDATE: As one organizer has just pointed out, students who wear lip jewelry could be in for a painful breaking the silence.
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15 comments:
If you don't have to wear a uniform, I recommend making a shirt for the event. My friend and I got different colored duct tapes and used them to decorate white shirts. The tape is easy to write on with sharpee, and can be removed from the shirt if you don't want it to be permanent! Happy Day of Silence!
thanks for the recommendation i shall wear a bandanna tomorrow!
Sadly, my school doesn't allow any type of bandanas or masks, either. D';
Please remember that many schools also have policies against students wearing bandanas across their faces. It is a safety issue, as it does make it more difficult to identify students (both in person, and on security cameras).
Just a reminder!
For DOS I was going to get some eyeliner and paint an X over my mouth.. Just an alternative idea.
At my school, we are using "badges", which have a black and white picture of one or more people, each wearing red duck tape over their mouths. On the back, the badge has the message of the Day of Silence and an explanation to those who would want us to talk in class, like teachers..
I feel bad for laughing at the update, but... yeah. Haha ;x
It bothers me how we cannot use "Strong" symbols show our support. Even though I am no longer in school, when I was there, the teachers were so rude when we tried to stay silent. They MADE us speak during class or we were forced to go to the office. Since I am a graduate people think I cannot do this anymore. But I still do. LOVE NOT HATE!
I think the best way to communicate would be to use a whiteboard.
that way you can still particapate in class without speaking.(:
A couple of years ago, my high school's GSA made t-shirts for the general purpose for GSA, but the buttons were only for Day of Silence. Most school I know of don't have rules against buttons, but if they do, ribbons also work.
Our school doesn't allow either of those either so instead this year we just got the duck tape and put in every where else. around ankles,legs, made braclets and chockers - taped on both sides so we're not ripping it off our skin later on -. I know it kinda takes away from the whole "being silent" but it keeps students out of trouble and teachers from making a huge fuss and ruining it for the next DOs's to come. :)
We ofcourse also have rules against bandannas and whatnot at my school so this year we decided to bring the duck tape and just wrap it around our cloths, also made a few braclets and chokers -wrapped around twice to not rip off the skin or anything-. I know it takes away from the "being silent" some but it keeps students out of trouble, keep their duck tape, and teachers from making a fuss and ruining it for later DOS's
I am currently sitting at school in the middle of Day of Silence and thought I'd check the site. Saw this and face palmed. I'm currently wearing duct tape over my mouth. Epic fail. :(
day of Silence is the best day ever ! .... My friends and I are doing the tape on our mouths ... and we understand its a safety issue ... but its a way to express ourselves .... I've seen other people around campus with the tape on their chests instead of their mouth ... you can also take the duct tape and make a wallet out of it with the Day of Silence colors on it ...
i was forced to talk during my 5th period class since we had to discuss our book but for the most part i was silent
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