Engaging in Social Justice Conversations through Silent Movement
by Eva Sun ’20, Germantown Friends School
On November 3rd, I, along with five fellow students and three GFS teachers, attended the Mid Atlantic Regional Diversity Conference at Perkiomen School. The conference was designed for high school students to congregate and engage in discussions about social justice issues. This year saw the seventh year of MARD, which hosted over 300 students from 30 different schools.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Rodney Glasgow, gave a spectacular speech. I recall being struck by the verve and eloquence of his words. There was something so very poignant in his phlegmatic delivery. When the entire gymnasium was paying close attention, the air felt different. An undercurrent of solidarity pervaded the silent crowd as Dr. Glasgow related the hate crimes in the United States in the 20th century as well as the social atmosphere of today. He segued his speech into an open-mic, inviting students to come up to the podium and speak to what they see in the current world. The crowd was charged with furor: thundering ovations greeted the enthusiastic ad libs of the students. There were more who wanted to speak than time would even permit.
For the “silent movement” activity, the throng formed a large circle. As Dr. Glasgow read statements regarding socio-economic status, sexuality, religion, race, neurodiversity, etc., those who identify would walk to the center. When a mass number of people started walking from every direction in silence, there was a moving, powerful and heartbreaking punch on my heart.
The movement was a reality check for the people remained on the outside, and a fellow feeling for the inner circle.
Some of the statements, e.g. sexuality/gender, however, were inherently private and sensitive, and could potentially out people. That being so, there was a statement for compensation in the end: “if you have been less than honest in the entire silent movement, move forward.”
I attended a workshop on “Race and Comedy,” in which we watched a comedy routine by Louis C.K. The facilitator led a discussion about racial slur: is it ok to laugh at a racial joke? Should a person be allowed to make fun of their own race? Am I supposed to feel offended? Students in the workshop generally opposed saying a racial slur under any circumstances, with the hesitant exception being when the speaker is a member of that racial group. However, I think that the intention behind the utterance is more significant than the utterance per se. In an academic setting, situations would arise when there is the need to say the word as it is. Moreover, by fully avoiding the word, one is in fact further reinforcing the stigma.
As an Asian, I felt a bit sad that not one East Asian student talked in large group settings. The stereotype of Asian students, particularly students who identify strongly with Chinese heritage, being more reserved is, unfortunately for me, real. Chinese culture, for one, appreciates humility and reticence. A Chinese ideal would always try to maintain social harmony even if that means their own interest is violated. But in an American context, the Chinese mindset cannot thrive. Torn between the two worlds, I live with my internal turmoil every living moment. Sometimes I wonder: is being an outgoing Chinese in America a betrayal to my origin?
It was a pure joy to meet peers who worry themselves with the same issues that I do, shed the same tears that I do, and dream the same dreams that I do. Our agenda may be an idealist vision, but at MARD I did see a crowd with the openness, empathy, and perseverance that can change the world.
Author Eva Sun is a junior at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia.
