Amanda Gorman Meaning Of Silence

The definition of silence is the “absence of any sound or noise” (Dictionary.com). Some people interpret the meaning of silence as more meaningful and believe silence is when others do not speak up against false accusations or beliefs. One famous poet is Amanda Gorman, an American poet and activist. Gorman became popular after reciting her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021 (Britannica.com). Amanda Gorman once said, “Quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what just is, isn’t always justice.” In other words, staying silent for unconstitutional ideas does not mean justice. Some believe society’s ideas are incorrect, but people stay silent instead of rejecting the accepted ideas. Many agree with

As stated in a History.com article titled “Jim Crow Laws,” the Jim Crow Laws’ purpose was to demean Black people “by denying them the right to vote, hold jobs, get an education or other opportunities.” In addition to their lack of rights, “Those who attempted to defy Jim Crow laws often faced arrest, fines, jail sentences, violence and death.” The Jim Crow Laws took away rights from Black people because of their skin color. Those who disagreed with segregation feared imprisonment, violence, or death. Because of their fear of these punishments, they remained silent. Thus, Gorman is correct that fear causes people not to defy injustice. The effects of the Jim Crow Laws in non-fictional scenarios prove Gorman correct, but literature, such as The Book Thief, also demonstrates her beliefs. In the novel, as the Nazis burn books in the bonfire, Liesel realizes Hilter is the cause of the troubles of her and her family. After her realization, she says, “‘I hate the Führer…I hate him’” (Zusak 115). In response, Hans, Liesel’s adoptive father, slaps her across the face and yells, “‘Don’t ever say that!’” (Zusak 116). Hans believes Liesel is accurate when she claims she despises Hitler, as many, but not all, people do. However, he has to teach her that her words are dangerous. Although Hans is aware that

When people are not silent, chaos is created. According to an article titled “Malala Yousafzai” on Biography.com, Malala “became an advocate for girls’ education when she herself was still a child.” As a result of her different views, “the Taliban [issued] a death threat against her.” Malala thought all women and girls deserved an education, but in contrast, the Taliban believed no girl should be educated. Since she held different beliefs than the Taliban, Malala was shot in the left side of her head and underwent multiple surgeries. Luckily, she survived. Ultimately, Gorman is inaccurate because Malala’s campaign efforts put her in the hospital and caused chaos. However, people who disagree with Gorman and believe that various viewpoints create chaos are wrong because conflicting views allow others to share their opinions. When people are silent, their opinions are not shared. As stated previously, Malala did survive the attempted assassination. As reported in the same source, her injury caused a “massive outpouring of support for Yousafzai.” On her 16th birthday, Malala “gave a speech at the United Nations.” She expressed her “focus on education and women’s rights, urging world leaders to change their policies.” Malala’s viewpoint reflects that of many others who were too afraid to speak up. Her lecture on women’s rights and education allowed her opinions and those of