Yesterday, as I mentioned, I participated in the Day of Silence. Others have already mentioned ttheir experiences, and I would like to take a moment to reflect on mine.
I'm straight, but as long as I've known that there were people in the world different than me, I've ben supportive. My mother did an excellent job of teaching me that people were equal, and should be treated that way, regardless of who they are. I like to think of it as a moral education without the mythology of religion. As a result, among other things, I've tried to be a friend to the queer community.
But of course, I will probably never know what it is like to truly live as part of that community. Sure, I've been called names like fag or homo--in pretty nasty ways--but it's just not the same. Being silent yesterday was an interesting experience. It was one of the most isolating thing I've done in a long time. I was constantly on the margin of groups because I couldn't communicate. People would ask me if I was feeling well, then take the card I gave, tell me that's great, and find someone more interesting to talk to. I was more on the fringe of the world than I have been in a very long time, if ever.
People's reactions were interesting. They seemed to think that just because I couldn't speak, I didn't want them to speak to me. I had a couple people say something along the lines of, "I'll shut up now." One friend of mine actually started to write a note back to me on the little pad I carried around. The effect on others was quite interesting.
There's something to be said for how this relates to people who are unable to hear or speak for other reasons, too. For those with disabilities that keep them on the fringe of any group, mainly because people don't want to take the time and effort of communicating, it's something they live with every day, not just as a statement. Perhaps in my case people avoided me more because they knew it was short-lived, but these were also friends of mine already.
Finally, it shaped my thought during the time. When you cut out your speech, you think different. I was more serious, more contemplative, and more reflective. I discovered how little daily speech is truly necessary, and I was able to focus on those things I wish I could have said that were truly necessary. I can understand why silence is encouraged by some religious orders.
Even if not in the service of a movement or any greater good, I would recommend the experience.
