If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything...

From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, I participated in the annual Penn State Day of Silence. Let me tell you, as an EXTREMELY talkative person, this experience nearly killed me. Technically I did not stay silent for the entire day because my ridiculous Spanish professor called on me to read something in class. I couldn't say no because I need the points and he doesn't speak English well, so I knew he wouldn't understand. But I did not speak English at all for the eight hours. At first it was difficult, but then I adjusted. As sad as that sounds, I got used to being forced not to talk. And the day certainly provided me with the opportunity to reflect on the various forms of oppression in our society. Basically if you're not a straight, white man, you're screwed. And that got me thinking because I have a lot of straight, white male friends. Throughout the day I ran into a couple of them and I wondered if it ever becomes apparent to any of them how great they have it. I also wondered if any of them will actually use that power to positively promote social change. Hopefully they will, but I doubt it. Why give up something so good to help others? I guess maybe I'm just jaded. Or maybe I'm just a realist, who knows.


But onto more superficial things. By about hour six I had become adjusted to having to talk with my hands but my mouth and throat were aching, I suppose from lack of use. I also had a headache, which I attributed to all the words I would have said just hanging out in my head. I don't know, it made sense. In the end I'm glad I did it, even if I didn't change a damn thing. At least I took a stand. And as a wise person once said, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything...

Day of Silence...

Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the PSU Day of Silence, a movement to protest the silence faced by people in minority or oppressed groups, because of their age, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, sexual/gender identity, gender, size, race, ethnicity, victimization/survival of violence or sexual assault, physical, mental and/or emotional disability, physical and mental health, socioeconomic class, moral, political, ethical, religious/spiritual beliefs or lack thereof. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today.


Today I will be participating in the Day of Silence. I think it is a very worthy cause and I hope it brings a lot of attention to various social injustices. There are a lot of things going on throughout the day, so try to stop by one or two.


Throughout the day:
We will have a few tables on the ground floor of the HUB all day with board games, a scrapbook to express your thoughts, feelings, & experiences, and materials to make your own posters for the march and demonstrations. Come hang out with us on your down time and enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by others taking the pledge. We encourage everyone to attend as many events throughout the day as possible. Even those of you who, for whatever reason, cannot take the pledge with us, show your support by joining us in any of the many events throughout the day.

Minute-to-Minute Events:
9:50 – Meet at bottom of stairs in HUB for the countdown to silence
10:00 – Pledge of silence begins
11:30 – Gather in front of HUB (on Pollock) for the silent march
11:45 – Step off on silent march down Pollock toward west campus
1:00-1:30 – Silent Demonstration at Old Main
3:00-3:30 – Silent Demonstration at IST patio
4:00-5:00 – Silent Demonstration outside Palmer Art Museum
5:45-6:00 – Head to Kern Building for Evening Celebration!
6:00-8:00 – EVENING CELEBRATION (Kern Lobby)

Silent March:
This year we are having a silent march! It will be approximately 55 minutes long (11:45 – 12:40). Feel free to join us for any or all of it. While we won’t be stopping anywhere along the way, we can provide you with approximate “pick-up” points where latecomers can meet up with us.

11:45 – Step off from HUB
11:53 – Pollock and Burrows (across the street from IST)
12:05 – Palmer Art Museum (Pollock Rd.)
12:13 – Bigler and Curtain (East Halls)
12:25 – Bigler and Pollock
12:40 – Return to HUB

How 'bout them O's?

I personally hate the saying, but I figure I should probably give them some love for beating Tampa Bay today in the opener. Yea I know, it was just the bottom-dweller Devil Rays, but still, they're in first place in the A.L. East now. Can't complain, even if it only lasts a day. Here's hoping...

I think right now I'm going to say the Mets are going to go all the way. Yea, they're my pick this year. I don't know who they'll be facing in October, but they'll be there. Sorry Phillies fans.

But back to the birds, go get 'em boys!

I just don't want to see a park like this go to waste...