We often convince ourselves that silence is a form of neutrality and that by not getting involved we are simply staying out of conflict. This belief however is a dangerous illusion. The truth is doing nothing is a choice and every time we choose to ignore an injustice, we are allowing it to continue. The concept of being a "bystander" is often thought of as passive and harmless but in truth it means we are making a choice to do nothing which indirectly supports the wrongdoer.
Take for example, witnessing a person being harassed in public. It is easy to look the other way thinking that our involvement could make the situation worse or that it is not our place to intervene. But by doing so we are in effect giving the aggressor permission to continue. The moment we turn away, we are not passive observers instead we are silently supporting the power dynamic that allows such behavior.
The myth of "staying out of it" fails to notice the reality that nonaction strengthens the existing power dynamics. Take the issue of poverty as an example. Many of us may feel that we can not do much to address systemic inequality so we choose not to engage. But by remaining silent, we reinforce the idea that the systems in place are unchangeable and the struggles of others are not worth addressing. Inaction in this sense means a quiet acceptance of inequality.
Injustice is rarely Loud. It often grows when people choose to stay silent and not take action. But the absence of action does not equate to innocence, it is a choice to allow things to stay as they are. The harm continues, the oppressed remain unheard and the powerful are encouraged. The world does not change by those who do nothing. It changes when people get involved, speak up and refuse to support what is wrong.
Silence is not protection, it is an agreement with the injustice that we hope will fade. The real question is: when we look away, are we simply bystanders or are we quietly allowing the harm to continue?
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