Blog Silence... Is It An Appropriate Memorial?

I agree with you that silence is the wrong response.

I think the right response is to see what could be done to prevent this in the future.  And "nothing" is not acceptable.

Several professors and dormmates knew that something was amiss. But there's no current process for alerting anyone to a problem.

If the kid had chickenpox, the school would have the authority to tell him he HAD to go to the infirmary, HAD to follow doctor's orders etc. But mental illness is a touchy subject. Shouldn't it have the same weight as other illnesses, though, both to protect the young person and the rest of the campus population?

I think we can do better. We can develop systems and strategies for how to respond to "red flags" of mental illness and potential violence.  If we can advocate safe sex, we can advocate safe campuses.

We just have to get past the idea that mental illness is too taboo to discuss.

So yeah, silence is wrong. We have got to talk about it!

One of the bright spots in this very dark week has been seeing the comfort and help given through blogging and social networking sites.  Students posted immediately to let friends and family know they were safe and to warn others from danger.  If anything, I think we should blog in honor of the technology they used to help them and their families get through that horrible day.

I understand the reasoning behind a moment or day of silence, but for many people being able to talk/post/read about it helps them process.  I am one of those people. 

Hi Ladies.  I am an admirer of all 3 of you.  I seem to be the odd one out here. 

I did not take this day of silence in the blogosphere to mean that we would be silencing anyone, nor attempting to.  We would simply be taking a deep breath before speaking again.  A breath that lasts 24 hours.

As much as bloggers have followers, it's an opportunity to speak out loud and clear to all who visit the blog that day that you stand in solidarity with the thousands of others who joined the effort.  Not to keep quiet, but the exact opposite: to make a statement. 

Not posting that day does not prevent anyone from implementing the fine suggestions Mary has made.  One can, and should,  still look for ways to prevent this from happening in the future while not posting an entry that day.  As a matter of fact, one would hope they do.  No one has offered the Day of Blog Silence as a solution, merely a tribute to the memories of those who lost their lives. 

I agree that blogging affords an outlet not only to one's creativity and generally just getting things off one's proverbial chest, but as was evidenced this week, can also be a very valid means of getting a message out to those that love you that you are safe.  Blogging is powerful.  Our choosing to abstain from posting one day out of 365 makes the power of the blog that much more evident, in my opinion.

That's just my 2 cents.  =)  Thanks for letting me share it.

Hi, Tisza!  I think this is very much a matter of personal choice.  This is the first I've heard of a day of silence on blogs for Virginia Tech.  I could see your side very easily, Tisza.  I do believe in blogs for communication and sharing, and I think they will be a huge help to the victims as an outlet, and that they were used effectively during a time of crisis.

However, thinking about it for a minute, it seems to me like an extended moment of silence.  I was raised in a small town.  We smile when we make eye contact, even with strangers.  When driving, if I furneral procession goes past, I stop and pull over.  I say a prayer when I hear a siren, because somebody could use it.  To me, this just sounds respectful.  I can be quiet for a day to show that I feel respect for their loss.  I could post about my reflection the next day. 

Thanks for bringing the idea to my attention.  Regardless of which we choose to treat this, I think it's an important thought.

Hi Tisza-  Just catching up on AR.  First, I did not "request" a day of silence- I posted an option.  Second, I don't really care if people post or not. It's your blog do whatever your heart tells you to do.  I've been the recipient of massive positive thoughts directed at helping me heal. I think that is the most awesome power we have as humans- to collectively focus on love and healing. It does speed the process.  It does not cause harm to other individuals, it generates positive energy in this world.  If that isn't your cup of tea, or you think that blogging would better suit you, go for it.

 

Another thought to add: I think the purpose of a day of silence was this...