It's The Circle Of Life, And History | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

It's The Circle Of Life, And History

Does the course of history really tend to repeat itself when people stay silent?

19
It's The Circle Of Life, And History
French Culture Center

"The world suffers a lot. Not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people." - Unknown

A few weeks ago on Holocaust Remembrance Day, our president shared a statement, which you can see below.

To be honest, I love a reading about love and tolerance. We can always use more. However, there is one thing- one word- that is missing from this entire statement.

JEWS.

Contrary to most people's beliefs, while the Holocaust did include the deaths of many different groups of people who were deemed "unworthy", the first thing that will come up when you search the word is the killing of millions of JEWS, an attempted extinction.

You may be wondering at this point if I actually have a point, and the answer is yes, I do.

The Holocaust came about for the same reasons as the things you now see on your television screens and online news feeds. People are remaining quiet and following blindly.

The following statement is directed towards the teens of my generation as well as those who chose to stay quiet for the fear that their friends won't agree with them.

What do you do when you see a fight or an injustice? Do you stand around on your phone, walk by like nothing happened, laugh, or play along? Why have our social lives and social media suddenly become so much more important than teaching others that these injustices are not okay? There are so many people out in our world right now, helping others, marching, fighting for what they feel and believe to be right without fear of the consequence. Why are we the generation that remains stubborn in the role as the bystanders? Injustice does not only blossom from the one's who inflict it, but also from the ones who refuse to add their voices to the masses.

And to the others. Was there ever a time where you chose to fight for something just because you believed in the chance for a better world? A better chance for your children, your great grandchildren, your friends and future family. Our world is changing and suddenly, there are so many new things. New traditions and norms, ideas you didn't grow up with and I get that that is strange and sometimes does not seem right to you.

But you know what isn't right? Denying someone their happiness. The joy of love, the freedom of walking the streets free from the persecution of other people's mistakes, the peace, and protection that America is supposed to provide and represent for those who came to escape tyranny and war.

We are never going to be a nation of blonde hair, blue eyes, and perfection. What we will become if people chose silence is a nation of fear, tyranny, ignorance and loathing and like what I said in my previous article, we have come too far and prevailed to many times to let this stop us again.

So what I ask is for you to put it in perspective. What is more important? The world in which those to come will have to live in or remaining silent for the fear of losing popularity.

We are the now and we are the future.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss

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

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1277
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

769
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199926
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20699
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments