share.triangle.com - What do you think of the Day of Silence? - Comments

Moving through one day of

Sarah — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:06:59 -0400

Moving through one day of school classes and activities in total silence does not equal a lack of learning or participation. Students who are silent can still listen, take notes, work sample math problems, etc. In contrast to these students who are silently absorbing new information, the students who stay home will learn nothing. The two situations are not equivalent.

"peacefully protest the

Visitor — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:40:51 -0400

"peacefully protest the endorsement of homosexuality"

The point of "Day of silence" is to protest against bullying students due to their sexual orientation and is not about whether we believe in their lifestyle. Bulling is wrong in any situation.

WWJD ??? Would he beat up and intimate a person because they are homosexual? No, he would show great kindness and encouragement to help the person find their way. Please fellow brothers and sisters, re-read the teachings in the new testament again. We must show tolerance and love towards all people so they will want to see the light. Blanket hatred will never turn a person's heart.

Sounds like non-violence from both sides - let the kids decide

Visitor — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:30:48 -0400

At first glance, I disagreed with the group that wants to protest the Day of Silence. My thoughts went to: they must be in favor of bullying. After putting my emotions (and prejudices aside) I have come to the conclusion that both sides are expressing their views from a non-violent manner that encourages discussion rather than acting on fear and hate.

One point that strikes me is that the Day of Silence seems to have been created by students and the Day of Censorship appears to be the idea of parents and religous organizations. It would be interesting for the adults to suport and guide the students in working through their views in a healthy, constructive manner. I think that when we are not pointing fingers, accusing one another of whatever and believing that we know what the opposing views are, then we may realize that we are more alike than different.

There is no we and they. We are all one. We all want the same things: love, acceptance and the permission to be ourselves.

Day of Censorship

Danny Carlton — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:32:02 -0400

From Stephen Melott: It is the homophobic so-called Christian Right parents who need the most education

That kind of blind prejudice (accusing Christians of homophobia) is why the so-called "Day of Silence" has become a Day of Censorship across the nation as students who have tried to peacefully protest the endorsement of homosexuality are bullied by school administrators.

If students are allowed to forego participation by not talking, why would other students not be allowed to forego participation by being absent. Besides, if the parent approves of the absense, the school has absolutely no business declaring it unexcused.

Day of Protest should be encouraged

Bill Irlbeck — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:20:19 -0400

Bullying someone because of their God-given sexual orientation is un-American, evil, and definitely un-Christian! Protesting such bullying should be encouraged and applauded.

Good grief

Visitor — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:36:08 -0400

It's a no win argument and should be done out of school hours. These kids won't change anyone's minds about anything. If there is bullying at school then it's the prinicple job to root out the problem, address it with the family and take action if needed to protect the student being picked on. Too bad they can't paddle the bullies on the butt anymore! It worked in my day (I wrongly got one in 3rd grade and never wanted to be in trouble again)...keep it out of school and let the kids study. Geez...

Day off unnecessary

Lewis — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:27:51 -0400

It is silly to consider giving students a day off because some of their classmates are advocating a cause. Anyone who disagrees with their classmates views should have no reason to complain about them remaining silent. I am a junior at Apex High School and have gone through three Day's of Silence witout relizing it was the Day of Silence until the school day was almost over. Being silent is probably the easiest for of prostest to deal with. On the other hand I do not think that students should be given a break from participation in class because they are protesting for a cause. I have nothing against homosexuality however if a student is being graded on participation or needs to interact with the class in some other way and they refuse to do so then they should expect to have points docked. After all, if your trying to make a point shouldn't you be putting somthing on the line for your cause? The bottom line is that the Day of Silence is one of the most uneventful and unmoving types of protests and does not need to be taken this seriously. If the GSA wants to turn heads they need to do somthing that will make a little more noise than refusing to talk.

Grow up, people

Visitor — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:59:00 -0400

I wonder how many of these school bullies are the children of the folks promoting this bigotry?

Honestly, the Day of Silence

Visitor — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:28:00 -0400

Honestly, the Day of Silence isn't promoting homosexuality to any degree. It is against the discrimination of this group of people. This includes the abuse, the fights, all of the violence brought on by any person's sexuality. Possibly these protests/boycotts weren't informed of the true meaning behind the Day of Silence, or possibly they are just terrible people and wish pain upon them. Either way, there's something wrong with the picture. Especially if the latter applies, because this majority Christian group would then themselves be sinning in turn. And why someone should be excused for that absence is beyond me, because it is not a medical issue, and it is not a school issue, it is simply bigotry. Of course, everyone has their right to protest, and by all means let them. I just believe they are wrong in what they are protesting against. They might as well eliminate the Day of Silence, and just protest homosexuality altogether.

promoting discrimination

Lauren — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:48:49 -0400

To excuse students from school because they don't want to be around people peacefully protesting abuse would promoting the continued verbal and physical violence that goes on towards homosexuals. Regardless of religious views, abuse under any circumstances should never be tolerated. Some argue that the Day of Silence prevents children from learning which is absolutely ridiculous. I participated in the Day of Silence all four years of high school and class always went on as usual, I simply didn't speak in class that day. The teachers aren't being silent and a few kids not talking in class for one day isn't going to prevent anyone from learning. That is simply another excuse to promote a radical Christian agenda and continue the cycle of discrimination and violence.

YES to Day of Silence

Stephen Melott — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:37:59 -0400

The Day of Silence is a great thing. It is the homophobic so-called Christian Right parents who need the most education.

What do you think of the Day of Silence?

togburn — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:57:56 -0400

Friday is the "Day of Silence" at many schools, when some students will take a vow of silence to bring attention to the bullying of gay and lesbian students. Meanwhile, some conservative groups are asking parents to keep their children out of school Friday to protest the Day of Silence. Also, those opposed to the Day of Silence will have a "Day of Truth" on Monday, at which they'll talk about why they disagree with homosexuality. Should students be given excused absences if they boycott school Friday because of the Day of Silence? What are your thoughts about the Day of Si

Friday is the "Day of Silence" at many schools, when some students will take a vow of silence to bring attention to the bullying of…