Lara declared:
Psuedo Silence at MHS
Wednesday, April 18th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
As a Senior, I currently attend M. High School. Today the nation-wide event “Day of Silence” took place across high school and college campuses every where. To preface this article, I want to make it clear that I do not have qualms with gays or anything of that sort. I respect all human beings that walk this earth.
In response to this event, I had previously voiced my disagreement by creating a Facebook group here (entitled “There are more things to go silent an entire day for…”) and had all along decided to respectfully observe the day as it happened. Last night, my sister and I also decided to cut around 80 orange “remembrance” ribbons for the murder-victims of Virginia-Tech with small safety-pins to hand out to any student who wanted to wear one.
This morning, the Gay-Straight alliance club and their supporters almost gleefully took to the high school hallways with their outfits doused in black and attached pink 6×4 index cards with a folded ribbon detailing their mission. In addition to this, they carried around small slips of paper to hand to anyone coming up asking what their cause was. I honestly did not read either but the card made a request to “Please respect my reasons for being silent… this is a silent protest to depict the silence the LGBT community faces everyday.” The other paper described a little bit of background as well.
So, while the Gay-Straight Alliance club took to their cause, I took to respectful remembrance. At the start of the morning I handed out an orange ribbon to many different students. (Mostly seniors and friends.) By around mid-morning many of my fellow peers had told me that they had heard within the hallways “Lara hates gays, wow, I can’t believe they’re wearing anti-gay ribbons.” One friend (who will certainly remain anonymous) was actually accosted by another, “They asked me why I was wearing that ribbon in an extremely condescending way. I calmly collected myself and told them it was for the 32 students who were murdered on the Virginia Tech campus, their families, and their friends. The student was visibly shocked and embarrassed after this.”
How’s that for respect and understanding? (Something the LGBT community and it’s supporters so vehemently promote.)
Throughout the day pink Razrs and Chocolates were abound along with note-passing, “mouthing,” sign-language, and giggling. Many students fed-up with the demonstration went so far as to tell participants to stop laughing, etc…, scolding them for breaking their so called “silence.”
Many students I spoke with throughout the day voiced their disrespect for the event due to the total lack of impact. Generally, most students thought it just disrupted their classes and impaired discussion. They also did not understand why such strange techniques were used. They stated in general, “Remaining silent only compounds the hurtful behavior of ‘being in the closet’ in the first place. Why not take a proactive measure instead of making us feel bad?”
In an online conversation with one of the leaders of the Gay-Straight alliance, I was told that this “day of silence is not necessarily supposed to be a proactive protest, it is more symbolic […] …the day is to recognize why people have to be silent and make people reflect on something they may do or say that could cause someone to have to live silently.” I did not know I was required to do this while trying to learn.
The group insists that the protest was not meant to be disruptive, stating that this was “only a side-effect, and therefore not intended.” However, one Junior MHS student observing the event noted that, “nearly all the participants in my choir class were freshmen. They sat down the entire time, did not have to go through warm-ups, and had permission to not sing the entire time. Most of them were vigorously texting each other on their phones instead.”
Yesterday and today, students could see posters promoting the event plastered along the hallways with such slogans as, “Because being homophobic is so GAY,” and “Because closets are for clothes.” Each poster demanded of students, “What will you do to break the silence?”
The school library also sported such posters and had around 60 different books on teen sexuality laying on two tables. Instructional signs read, “MHS Library supports the April 18, 2007 DAY OF SILENCE” They also had small brochures with each book’s information. Many students walked into the library ready to do work looking slightly confused. “I could barely find a book for my internal assessment [a program specific historical research paper] in this measly library last year and they have $500 worth of teen sexuality books displayed?!” exclaimed one student.
Many students and teachers expressed their disapproval of such behavior as well. “At 2:00 [a half an hour before the end of the school day] every participant left class to attend a concluding meeting in the auditorium. (Approximately 60 people participated in the event.) They just stood up and stared at the teachers waiting for them to let them walk out the door. After they left, my teacher shook his head. We still had a lot to cover for the period,” stated one student.
Most students however, only voiced their disapproval in private. The general reply to anything disagreeing with the Gay-Straight Alliance or it’s associated students is, “homophobia.” I have sadly been labeled with this stereotype many times. It has severely impaired any student from discussing their confusion and disagreement with the event. To respect this fact, I have removed all names and references from my discussions except my own.
Perhaps a truer, more reverent silence for this cause would have generated more respect from the general school population.
UPDATE: I just received an extremely polite e-mail from an LGBT leader at Bard College. “Lara, Just wanted to say thanks for making this group. It gave me a chance to really think about why I participate in this event and what it means to me. I certainly appreciate your frustration with students who don’t seem to take this day very seriously, and hope you know that this is not uniform.
Best of luck to you, **** “ This is the kind of respect and maturity I look forward to entering college. To this person, I wish I could have witnessed this event in a more serious manner. As I have said before, I feel that this sort of event is certainly more appropriate for a college campus. Thank you for your respect.
Psuedo Silence at MHS
1
Christian said,
April 18, 2007 at 6:56 pm
At my institution of higher learning, maybe 2% of the population took part. I think their ship has sailed, and people are sick of have homosexuality shoved in our faces. I’m not a homophobe, but there’s no need to be passive aggressive.
2
homosapian said,
April 18, 2007 at 7:04 pm
i love you
3
Lara said,
April 18, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Christian: I certainly agree. I do need to join a club to discuss my sexual preference - the homophobia kick needs to stop.
Homosapian: I love you too M.
4
Ryan said,
April 18, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Well said, Lara. Your ability to artfully articulate your ideas is well beyond your age.
5
Ryan said,
April 18, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Homosapien is the man.
6
anonymous said,
April 18, 2007 at 10:23 pm
I honestly think that if you are so insistent upon taking proactive measures in whatever cause you find most important you should stop wasting your time on the Day of Silence. You obviously do not find it “intelligent” or worthwhile. It would be more useful to extend your energy in something that you believe in rather than bashing the technique of another society. I am happy that you took it upon yourself to support the shootings at Virginia Tech, a horrible tragedy, by making the orange ribbons. I feel by passing them out on the Day of Silence you put yourself in a bad situation to begin with. As the purpose of your facebook group was not clarified and viewed by many as an anti-gay group, it was logical for some to assume that the ribbons were against the Day of Silence and in turn against homosexuals. I find it would have been more fitting to pass out the orange ribbons the day after the shooting so the purpose was clearer.
7
Lara said,
April 18, 2007 at 10:38 pm
I’m sorry that you feel sourly about this. However, this is something that truly upset me today and I simply won’t let a disruption like this go by unnoticed. Therefore, I have decided to make the facts known concerning what myself and many others thought about this event.
“I feel by passing them out on the Day of Silence you put yourself in a bad situation to begin with. […] it was logical for some to assume that the ribbons were against the Day of Silence and in turn against homosexuals.” I’m sorry, but this statement is ludicrous. Why should I have let the day of silence silence something I felt passionate about? It was a completely ignorant and malicious manner that provoked the thought that I would promo anti-LGBT activity.
“It would be more useful to extend your energy in something that you believe in rather than bashing the technique of another society.” Anonymous - I was not bashing the technique. I was simply presenting what I saw and heard throughout the day and voicing my disapproval of these activities.
I did indeed pass out the V-Tech ribbons today to make a point. However, that point was grossly misunderstood and is the result of a strong group of individuals within the school overrun with a “homophobic witch-hunt” agenda. My point was that there are more deserving people in this world at anytime who need our help and our recognition as a student body and MANY others agree with me.
On another note, Friday is “Maroon and Orange” day, which continues our prayers and remembrance for the Virginia Tech victims.
8
Anonymous said,
April 19, 2007 at 1:18 am
I see you’re point in many many ways and I do tend to agree with what you’re trying to say as a whole. I just wanted to state that I think there’s A LOT more to this than meets the eye. You probably already know what I’m refering to.
I definitely think there’s a LITTLE more to this passionate disdain for the event than just principle. The metaphor of the event is logical and somewhat meaningful if done by the right people in the right setting, but I certainly agree with you that those two requirements aren’t met at MHS. It is not the best approach… under these circumstances. Anyway, to get to my point, I wanted to let you know that MANY people, both agree-ers and non-agree-ers have a feeling that this goes beyond the “principle” spectrum and into the “personal” one. You catch my drift? Whether it’s true or not is not my call but many people see that and think it’s a major factor in this. Just thought someone should inform you of that from a non-biased perspective because it IS important for you to know. This thought may be the cause of some reactions your getting from select people. I personally don’t care AT ALL… I’m a little too laid back for that shit but you should know if you don’t already.
I won’t write my name because drama just sucks and I love those on “both sides” (if I can say that?) of this disagreement. You rock, they rock… it’s all good. I’m just the fat guy on the couch yellling at the TV ya know? I just thought I’d let you know what’s going on from an outsider’s point of view Lars
See you tomorrow
9
Ryan said,
April 19, 2007 at 3:24 am
Thank you, Lara. If you want to make a point on this site, at least leave your name.
10
Lara said,
April 19, 2007 at 10:08 am
To anonymous #2: There is certainly hate within this world. However, I’m positive that most of the people I talked to concerning this event hated gays in any way. I do not surround myself with people like that.
11
anonymous said,
April 19, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I was referring to a personal situation YOU were in. You see what I’m saying? That many people think, whether consciously or subconsciously, this originates from an event earlier in the year with a specific person (actually two specific people).
Whatevs hun, no biggie, see ya in school
12
Lara said,
April 19, 2007 at 4:38 pm
That’s unfortunate because it simply isn’t true. My political and personal beliefs lie far deeper than a silly disagreement; my personal problems do not affect anything written above or anything of what I have said before. If people choose to associate these two things, then they are clearly missing my argument.
To be honest, I take offense to the fact that people may think there is “more than meets the eye.” That implies that I am hateful and spiteful - both of which I am not. In fact, the people who have done the most hurt are the two people you speak of. So, beyond what everyone may think, there is “more than meets the eye” there itself. It’s sad to think that people who many know me thought the situation arose out of my disapproval and judgment. It takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in and put your name on it, especially with a subject like this. All of the words and quotes above are from friends of mine. Not my words, their’s. I just simply agree with them. If anyone has a problem with my personal life, they can talk to me, personally about it.
13
spanalot said,
April 19, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Fascinating that gays maintain the delusion that they are victimized.
When was the last time you went to Broadway or watched TV or went to a movie that did not have the prerequisite “gay” subplot.
The arts have become so predictable - case in point being Alexander the Great. Here is the story of one of the most complex empires in history - relegated to a silly soap opera.
Please Mainstream Media, something without so much spam in it.
PS - What is wrong with homophobia? Were I gay and approaching retirement, I would be very fearful of gays. Were it not for “breeders”, the Ponzi scheme that is Social Security would perish. Yes gays, “breeders” are the reason there is a next generation to provide for your retirement checks.
14
homosapian said,
April 19, 2007 at 8:12 pm
let’s start by saying I AM NOT homophobic. glad we got that out of the way. anyway, your means of protest (day of silence) do absolutly nothing to recognize the so called oppression that the gay community faces. What is it doing to help your cause? Just to pin point who supports the gay community? What actions are you taking to better your place in society rather than making people feel bad for you. It’s your lifestyle, deal with the opposition and backlash that you might get by chosing to live that way. It really pissed me off to see that something that sparked this much debate could not even be taken seriously by members of the “protest.” Net year, make the font bigger on the silly pink signs that you wore like purple hearts.
-peace and love
15
Rucksack Revolutionary said,
April 23, 2007 at 10:22 pm
I’m not a huge rights advocate, (I feel that there are greater problems facing the world) but I find it very hard to agree with you.
The day of silence didnt harm anyone and didnt demean any other tradegdies (such as V. Tech) that have happened. All they were trying to do was demonstrate their belief that people shouldnt be ostracized or discrinated upon becuase they are homosexual. One can believe this and feel just as sorry for victims of shootings, starvation, genocide, etc. as anyone else.
From the tone of the article, you clearly just don’t think homosexuals should be accepted in our society.
16
Lara said,
April 23, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Rucksack -
The day of silence did harm some. It harmed the learning process. And I must disagree with you on the point that “they were just trying to demonstrate their belief that people shouldn’t be ostracized etc…” The entire tone of the protest was not like this. I (along with many others) felt that the idea was pressed upon us - something I’d prefer not to encounter in a public high school setting.
Additionally, it seems that you have misunderstood the entire meaning of my article. If you notice, I was the one being targeted and not being “accepted.” Students jumped to conclusions and turned out being embarrassed in the end.
Finally, I have presented the facts of what happened that day. Whether you decide to brand me as one who believes homosexuals should not be accepted into society, well, that’s for you to believe alone.