Friday 13th October 2017, we celebrated #WomenBoycottTwitter in protest of women’s voices being silenced. Whether it be in the workforce, classrooms or in the home, it happens. I don’t usually write about things like this but I found it rather interesting. I’ve always been outspoken when it comes to voicing my opinion on pretty much everything. I might seem shy to people I’m not familiar with but if I need to speak, trust me I will. I couldn’t imagine being silenced by the people around me. I couldn’t imagine letting people speak for me or disrespecting me by not allowing me to say what it is I have to say. Even when things don’t necessarily apply to me, I probably have something to say because that’s just who I am. I like to stand up for the underdog and help people who don’t want to or don’t know how to help themselves.
But, I know that it’s sometimes easier said than done. I know that women are living in abusive households where they just can’t speak up because they’re afraid. I know that women work in uncomfortable environments and don’t speak up during meetings because they are afraid of being silenced or shut down. I know that women sit in the back of classrooms and decide to stay silent in an effort to avoid conflict. I know.
So, on Friday the 13th, I’m staying silent. I’m staying silent because it’s easier to show, than to tell people what the real issues are. If we lived in a world where women were nonexistent, there would be no world. It’s that simple. We are the creators of life. We are the nurturers, the growers, the protectors and the chosen ones. Without us, there would be no you. Those who decide to silence women have chosen wrong. It’s the constant disrespect and unappreciation that I couldn’t possibly understand. In a world like the one I’m living in with my own mother and grandmother that I couldn’t imagine living without. I’m silent for them and I’m silent for many others on this day.
Women are constantly looked at to be the answer to all things, but are still overlooked over, and over. Where’s the acknowledgement? Where’s the credit? There is none, and that just doesn’t sit well with me. I’m not okay with that, and you shouldn’t be either. I am silent today, so we can speak up tomorrow. Speak up to those who try to silence you. Speak up when it’s right and when it’s wrong, because being that outspoken, overly emotional and angry black girl feels just right to me.
Photo Credit: Glamour, The Odyssey