Recently I read Night, by Elie Wiesel. I have read many novels based on the Holocaust, but this one so far is my favorite because of its simple and poignant message: that neutrality never benefits the good guys. My favorite part of the novel wasn't actually part of the novel itself, but Weisel's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech included at the end. He talks about having an internal conversation with his younger self:
"I explain to him how naive we were, that the world did know and remained silent. And that is why I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere" (118).
This speech has been on my mind for the last week because I think we all display neutrality in one way or another. I sometimes avoid expressing my opinion to avoid conflict, even when it perhaps needs to be said. I definitely think there is a place for staying quiet (for example, with things that have little or no effect on a person or the world's well-being). In general though, the world could use more voices.
I have reflected this week on how I have benefited from the thoughts, experiences, and advice (even though at times unsolicited) of others. And then I have thought about how hesitant I am to share my own thoughts, experiences, and advice (though admittedly, I have very little at this point in my life to offer) because I am prideful, afraid of rejection, and all too aware of the heightened sensitivity of our culture. For example, how many "lists" have you read that tell you "what not to say to someone who is...(fill in pretty much any group of people or person in any situation/stage in life)"? By the time we get through reading all these "lists", there's nothing left! Everyone has got an opinion about how to not offend anyone ever. I have taken many of these "lists" to heart and as a result I have found myself closed off, wary of human interaction, and at times just plain feeling awkward. I have become a pro at being neutral, and I have to say, I'm so disappointed in myself for becoming this way. Every time I want to post something on one of the many social media feeds out there, or chime in on a conversation about motherhood, religion, or politics, I can't help but run through those many "lists" about what not to post or what not to say...and it's exhausting. After all, I wouldn't want to annoy, anger, or offend any of my Facebook friends.
And there are times when I have incorrectly categorized neutrality as a positive quality; we need peacemakers too, yea? But peacemakers make peace, and you can't make peace without stepping up and getting involved.
So I guess my thought is this: Being offended, or annoyed, or angry is a choice. I choose to believe that people are in general, good, and that they have good intentions. And I'm going to remember that I too, have good intentions, and that it's ok to take a side.
