Freedom of speech is a right given to the millions of citizens of this country. Because of that right, the country has made great strides in overcoming many obstacles such as racial segregation and gender discrimination. Though it has taken hundreds of years before anyone could be justified for their words, today, freedom of speech has given people in America no time but the present to make their voice heard. So, why aren’t people sticking up for themselves and what they believe in?
In this day and age, we suffer through a power struggle where we must be in constant competition with one another. We are more afraid of losing that power and, most of the time, we would rather find a way to protect ourselves. People are afraid of looking different by challenging a system of beliefs which has remained indifferent for so long. By actually challenging the system, it would ruin the reputation one has worked so hard to maintain.
To avoid ruining one’s reputation, one would have to either live up to the mainstream belief by supporting something they do not believe in, or, worst of all, say nothing at all. A closed mouth does not get fed. The phrase is subject to various interpretations, but, in the general sense, those who do not speak will not get a response.
In recent months, Skyline officials and Associated Students of Skyline College have dealt with a delay in allowing a European-American exhibit to take place on campus. What lead to the delay of the exhibit resulted from concerns that the exhibit may have racist undertones. This concern was hinted at by college officials, faculty, and the ASSC.
Ironically, the exhibit made its way to Skyline right after The Skyline View wrote an article concerning the controversy that surrounded the exhibit. But what rose to the top from the whole incident was not the exhibit, but the controversy itself. This controversy was not only about possible “racial undertones” in the exhibit, but about why so few wanted to really talk about the issue.
It was apparent that people wanted to talk about the issue of racism, but no one confidently stepped forward to publicly express their constitutionally protected opinion. Instead, all the talk happened behind closed doors. By not confidently speaking publicly about the issues of racism, or any controversial issue for that matter, the concept of finding answers and taking the right actions to react to those issues is neglected.
So, in the whole scope of what went on in the last couple of weeks, the bigger picture is that if we fear open dialog, where are we to progress in this world? History has proven the beneficial impact of powerful, true and honest expression.
We should not be afraid to wrong our right by not speaking out. The worst thing we can do is remain silent at times when dialog is needed most.
“Silence is argument carried out by other means.” – Ernesto “Che” Guevara