Is Silence Consent? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Is Silence Consent?

"Doing nothing is as good as collaborating."

481
Is Silence Consent?
Organic Consumers

Every middle schooler was taught if you don't speak up when you see someone getting bullied, you're a bystander. By not speaking out to the bully, alerting an authoritative figure or helping the victim, you become a part of the problem. Your silence as a bystander condones the bullying. Perhaps as the middle school years are behind us, the bystander lesson has faded to the back of our minds; however, the concept is still very relevant. Silence is consent.

We are currently in an epidemic of self-centeredness. Millennials, as well as other generations are guilty of this. If something doesn't jive with our lifestyle, we don't associate with it. For example, the current presidential election has been exciting, to say the least, since the candidates first announced their campaigns. As the time for the election rapidly approaches, people are forced to make a decision. However, many have aired out that they would rather not vote at all than vote for Hillary or Trump. They would rather be a bystander to the current election rather than participate. Their self-centered action to abstain from voting because they simply don't like the candidates is equivalent to handing over their loyalty to whoever wins. Their silence is consent. This applies in many other situations.

"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, also elaborates on silence as consent. As an argument takes places between characters, Etienne and Madame Manec, Madame addresses the situation sternly.

"Isn't doing nothing kind of troublemaking? Doing nothing is as good as collaborating." Madame Manec

I couldn't have said it better myself, by doing nothing, by remaining silent, you are collaborating, aligning, associating, consenting. Silence is consent.

Now I am not saying "silence is consent" is a blanketed statement that can justify any or all situations. For example, in sexual behavior, silence is not consent. That would be sexual misconduct. Verbal, unforced consent is necessary in said situation, as there are other situations in which silence does not signal your approval.

Silence is consent when a choice can be made to speak out or take action. Silence is consent when someone choses to do nothing, to be a bystander. So step up, speak your mind and take action to what is happening around you. Do not stand victim to sliding by in life, unforced to stand up to the world because your silence becomes consent to the chaos happening among us. Being a bystander or doing nothing is equal to condoning or collaborating. Silence is consent, so speak up.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

801
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26837
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11224
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments