Blog Silence - Not Synonomous With Ignoring

Earlier this year One Day of Blog Silence on April 30th, was proposed, originally for the victims at Virginia Tech, then amended to include all victims. Some bloggers participated, some did not, saying we needed to speak out rather than remain silent. I chose to remain silent for that day and merely posted the banner. I do not regret it.

Silence is a long held sign of respect. One day of silence does not mean we have to remain silent forever, just long enough to respect, reflect, plan, and even change our own hearts if need be. Once that is done, we can raise the roof if need be with the uproar of our voices: voices that have had a moment to reflect and think out their words, not just spout in the same anger and frustration that comes to most people after a horrid act.

By no means am I insinuating that those that chose to speak out and not remain silent that day, or any day, spouted in that way; I am merely reminding that silence is not always a sign of ignoring a problem, but the exact opposite.

And, technically, displaying a banner, flag, or logo that links back to the call for blog silence is not ignoring, but rather speaking out, just in a different manner.

We, as group, need both silence and speaking out. Whichever choice you make is right.