Today, I watched one of the strongest, most inspiring people I know shed tears. The cause of her grief was Josh Coppenbarger’s pessimistic opinion piece, “Preaching to the Choir”. I am outraged. Coppenbarger seems to think that Webster is so “gay friendly” that we don’t need a day to show support for LGBTQ individuals.
Well, Josh, look in the mirror. Opinions akin to yours are the reason why the Day of Silence exists. Your thoughts on this peace-promoting day of action – yes, action – are depressing, at best. As a film major, I would think that you might understand the impact that silence can have. I invite you to watch a Charlie Chaplin flick – not a single word will be spoken, but I’d be surprised if you finish the film without receiving a message.
Actions often speak louder than words, and that’s the idea behind this effective protest. I agree that a great number of Webster students are very open-minded, but the Day of Silence is not just for Webster students. The Day of Silence is for all of the kids around the world that have been beaten and bruised by both word and fist, simply because they are different. It’s for the people that have been so distressed by harassment that that have ended their own lives. It’s for the friend that I watched break down after reading your words. That you don’t think this day can make a difference is disheartening – you’re so cynical.
Whether this protest occurs on our campus or in San Francisco doesn’t matter. Gay rights and acceptance need to be universal standards, not city-specific novelties. Laws tend to inform the public on what is acceptable.
If gay rights are written into law, I have no doubt that bigotry at least dilute. You say that racism is not gone, but look how far that movement has come. These things take time, and they take support on a national level. Webster University is part of this nation. To say that our message does not matter is to devalue the students that attend our university, LGBTQ or otherwise.
Our silence speaks a thousand words to those that need our support, and though we are not policy makers, it would be naïve to assume that our actions will go overlooked.
To quote Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
May Morrison,
Senior media communications major
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Thats my GIRL!!! I’m right there with you honey..;)
Silence Can be Golden..;)
OXOXOXOXOX MOM
I personally believe that Joshua Coppenbarger is correct in his article that he wrote. If you want to change the world and help the people that get beaten and harassed over their beliefs, you have to speak out about it. Silence will do nothing.
HELL YES MAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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