I just wrote this on Facebook, and I'm going to share it here, as well. Because it deserves to be said, said often, and to as many people as possible.
"I appreciate the idea behind the Day of Silence - not speaking in order to bring attention and draw awareness to the issues of people who are overlooked, whose voices aren't heard. The problem is, nobody will listen--nobody CAN listen--when you're silent, even if it's obvious you're not speaking. So instead, today I am going to SPEAK UP, and STAND UP, for the people who can't. Because silence is taken as acceptance, and I REFUSE to accept the status quo of minority groups, such as LGBT, people who are bullied and hated, for ANY reason. EVERYONE deserves to live a happy, fear-free life, no matter their age, sex, race, religion, or sexual and romantic orientation."
Additionally, even if you're silent, and people know WHY you're silent, how can you educate anyone with silence? (Also, I have the day off, I never speak to anyone except my mom anyway when I'm at home, and if I had to work, I HAVE to talk, so I can't participate in the Day of Silence. So I'm doing this, instead.)
This is nothing against the Day of Silence - I think it's a great idea, and I applaud the people who are able to participate. Unfortunately, being silent isn't going to stop hate, or tell the people who are in charge that it's unacceptable. Like I said above, silence is taken as acceptance, and I do NOT accept the way minorities are treated in this country.