Writer: Li

Editor: Alexis

There seems to be a disconnect with the reality that is presented to us in the news and broadcasted across social media platforms. We live in a bubble protected by wealth and influence and fail to use it as a way to make consistent positive change. We, as a school community, are ignoring our privilege – our ability to be vocal and make an impact. Why is that? Why are we silent?

The first argument is cultural sensitivity. As an international school, we have a very diverse student body, and as such, we house a plethora of different perspectives. While this has its benefits, like fostering a well-rounded and informed community, it makes it difficult to take a stance on global issues that we realize are nuanced and complex because of the views we are exposed to (and the people we care about who stand by those views). But at what point do we cross the line from being culturally sensitive to the people around us, to becoming a bystander: willfully ignorant of crises that can be avoided or stopped? At what point are we censoring ourselves and overlooking our values? 

Ms. Wang, a literature and TOK teacher here at ISM makes the point that “all spaces, public and private, are political,” and as such, we have every right and responsibility to be vocal. It’s important that we use our diverse community as a way to model a global perspective and be active in global conversation, rather than shying away from difficult topics. Ms. Wang explains that although we may have the best intentions when saying that we don’t want to talk about things because of cultural sensitivity, we can’t shelter people out of fear of ‘insulting’ them or making them feel uncomfortable. It is important to learn how to “navigate discomfort” (Ms. Wang) and communicate with people who may not share our opinions or perspectives, for that is how we as individuals and future global citizens can learn and grow. 

It’s also important to reflect on our mindset when it comes to speaking out, or not. When talking to my peers, a frequent sentiment is the idea of feeling “desensitized.” Living in a world where violence is broadcast daily, it is hard not to feel a toll on your mental health. But this is a problem. Much of the student body already exists within an ISM bubble, detached and apathetic to others’ struggles around the world because it’s “not something we can do anything about.” In other words, “it’s not our problem.” But that’s not true. We are global citizens who should be concerned with the international community. 

Even if it’s difficult, we must stay informed so that we can have diplomatic and productive conversations about conflicts, such as those currently occurring in Congo, Sudan, and Palestine; conflicts that we have failed to address- unlike the war between Ukraine and Russia, which involves a majority white population. If we continue to avoid these conversations, we are actively part of the problem: “deeming black and brown people as less important,” (Wang) by choosing to be silent about violence against people of color whose bodies have been, and continue to be, exploited, used, and abused by the long-lasting effects of colonialism. “Silence is complicity,” says Ms. Wang, and we will not be complicit . 

A high school social studies teacher at ISM pointed out that we (this generation of students) have a wealth of information at our fingertips: “a lot more access to stimulus.” If we can at least step outside our isolated bubble to “understand the human side to some of these conflicts,” maybe it would “make us more resolved to be involved.” Ms. Wang shared this sentiment exactly, saying “to not be silent means having the courage to establish a working framework for difficult conversations”
Let’s get involved. Let’s use our voices. Let’s start a conversation.