In history, the silent protest originated as a non-destructive way to communicate a message while avoiding violent confrontation with police. The famous, “parade of silent protest” in 1917 demonstrated the power of a silent message. A silent and united community that identifies themselves as victims of violence and injustice can evoke much stronger empathetic despair than a loud, aggressive group protest.1
I can’t help but wonder, In such a self-involved and plugged-in world, can anyone hear the silence today? When is dialogue necessary? Is silence the best way to communicate a serious issue today, especially an issue where silence is the enemy? How many conversations can this actually create in our world today?
References:
1. Barron, James. “A History of Making Protest Messages Heard, Silently.” City Room.
2.“Students March on Campus to Protest Sexual Assault.”