One of the incredible books I'm reading right now talks about the nature of silence and its relationship with power. The specific example refers to ‘rape culture’ and how “The power of the harasser, the abuser, the rapist depends above all on the silence of women”1. This description can be expanded to include any individual or entity that holds power (at least based on the prevailing cultural definition of ‘power’) and how the continuation of that power entirely depends on the fear and silence of those they deem to hold power over. However, when being silent is a mindful and personal choice that is not motivated by fear or is not a consequence of being bullied, this can create a real sense of empowerment. Choosing silence can help us to more effectively hear what is really being said (both what we’re hearing with our own ears and what is being expressed ‘between the lines’). Choosing silence can help us to more effectively detect potential dangers – but it can also help us to deeply connect with that which fulfills us and cultivates joy. Choosing silence can help us to better determine how to respond to a given situation, rather than reacting in a ‘knee-jerk’ sort of way.
When we engage with social media, we can choose to be silent or we can choose to speak up. Like many, I have a mixed relationship with social media. On one hand, I cringe when it is used to perpetuate bullying or power over anyone...and yet sometimes I bless it for the amazing stories and/or moments that are shared. Both of these uses have a relationship with power; the first - power over; the second – empowerment of self and others. I know of many who have deleted their Facebook accounts because of the negative experiences they have had (and believe me, I have considered this a few times myself) but I sometimes wonder if it isn't a case of "throwing the baby out with the bath water"...especially after having read so many heart-warming, heart-breaking and often inspiring 'shares' over the holidays. Used wisely, social media can be a means of uplifting ourselves and others; it can also be an effective way of alerting a community of souls of real danger (like a ‘storm watch’) so they can be better prepared to ‘weather the storm’.
Choosing to be silent or choosing to speak – both of these are functions of ‘freedom of speech’…something that is rightly touted as a basic civil right (but is sometimes, sadly, abused). We have the right and are empowered to use social media (or any form of media) to share experiences, to sound alarm bells or to shine a light on the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room and, perhaps, induce a ‘wake-up call’ for necessary social change. We also have the power to choose to engage with social media or not…or at least how often and what kind of media we will engage with. We have the right to choose silence rather than be forced into silence as a means of perpetuating the imbalance of power. Today I felt compelled to speak; tomorrow I may choose silence. However, I will never allow myself to be silenced by bullies.
“Injustice and corruption will never be transformed by keeping them hidden, but only by bringing them out into the light and confronting them with the power of love.” (Martin Luther King, Jr).
Resources
1. "Cunt: A Declaration of Independence" by Inga Muscio
When we engage with social media, we can choose to be silent or we can choose to speak up. Like many, I have a mixed relationship with social media. On one hand, I cringe when it is used to perpetuate bullying or power over anyone...and yet sometimes I bless it for the amazing stories and/or moments that are shared. Both of these uses have a relationship with power; the first - power over; the second – empowerment of self and others. I know of many who have deleted their Facebook accounts because of the negative experiences they have had (and believe me, I have considered this a few times myself) but I sometimes wonder if it isn't a case of "throwing the baby out with the bath water"...especially after having read so many heart-warming, heart-breaking and often inspiring 'shares' over the holidays. Used wisely, social media can be a means of uplifting ourselves and others; it can also be an effective way of alerting a community of souls of real danger (like a ‘storm watch’) so they can be better prepared to ‘weather the storm’.
Choosing to be silent or choosing to speak – both of these are functions of ‘freedom of speech’…something that is rightly touted as a basic civil right (but is sometimes, sadly, abused). We have the right and are empowered to use social media (or any form of media) to share experiences, to sound alarm bells or to shine a light on the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room and, perhaps, induce a ‘wake-up call’ for necessary social change. We also have the power to choose to engage with social media or not…or at least how often and what kind of media we will engage with. We have the right to choose silence rather than be forced into silence as a means of perpetuating the imbalance of power. Today I felt compelled to speak; tomorrow I may choose silence. However, I will never allow myself to be silenced by bullies.
“Injustice and corruption will never be transformed by keeping them hidden, but only by bringing them out into the light and confronting them with the power of love.” (Martin Luther King, Jr).
Resources
1. "Cunt: A Declaration of Independence" by Inga Muscio
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