Silence means agreement when ending social injustice
This weekend we went to Breckenridge, Colorado for a family weekend getaway.
Breckenridge is a popular ski town, and this weekend was especially busy since the “Dew Tour” was here.
My kids were enjoying their full day snow boarding lesson when I decided to take a walk down Main Street and enjoy the fresh air. I normally work Saturdays, so I was reveling in just enjoying the crisp mountain air as the snow crunched underneath my feet. I was not in apraxia, special needs, SLP, or mommy mode at all.
My zen was broken by two adult males laughing loudly and clearly drunk walking in front of me.
They were making fun of their friend who was walking about 4 feet behind them clearly inebriated out of mind. Thinking nothing of it, I moved to pass them when they stopped to let their friend catch up and one called out loudly,
“Come on special Ed, let’s go!” before they both erupted into knee slapping laughter.
I honestly was stunned.
My eyes filled with tears as I looked at the stumbling friend laughing behind. His eyes were half closed as he stumbled along. There were many people around but everyone skirted by, including myself, without saying anything. I studied this clearly inebriated man walking behind his buddies and thought of all the kids I have served in special education aka “special ed” or “SPED.” The kids I know have nothing in common with this man.
After the moment passed, I was angry. I was angry at his ignorance, but even more angry at myself.
Angry I didn’t say anything. I rationalized that it’s not worth trying to reason with people who are drunk and high, but I thought about the others around…the bystanders pretending they didn’t hear and thought at least I could have spoken up and educated them. My sister always says silence is agreement…whether that is the person’s true intent or not. If we don’t stand up for what we believe in, regardless of whether we think it will matter or not….how will things ever change?
So, though I unfortunately was silent in that moment, I want to be prepared for the event that it ever happens again, and instead of being stunned, I’ll be prepared.