Do Not Sit Idle

Many people sit silently, not wanting to cause a stir and allow things to go on as they have. Meanwhile, others will stand up for themselves and others and speak out about injustices. It took Audre Lorde getting cancer to see the “big picture.” For all of her life she was that silent person that just went about her business. The revelation came as Lorde was facing death that she realized that one can “never really (be) a whole person if you remain silent” (Lorde. 42). Fear is the main item which Lorde realized had kept her silenced for so long. Fear of hurting others, fear of revealing vulnerabilities, fear causing a stir. She realized that the fear will grow and build on you if you do not face it head on.

Howard Zinn gained hope for future generations when he saw that they really do care and will stand up for injustices. Zinn found that “people can be intimidated for a time, can be fooled for a time, but they have a down-deep common sense, and sooner or later they find a way to challenge the power that opposes them” (Zinn. 208). Zinn found that although the world may be harsh and cruel, there is also love and compassion and courage; which will trump the hate.

I work with students with diagnosed learning disabilities and I am an advocate for them. I advise them on so many things life throws at them. From parent issues, relationships, work, school, and even at times partying. I stand up to encourage them to stand up, and give them the courage to not see it as a disability, but a difference.