Do You Believe that Silence Means Consent?

Hello Drannhh, Great topic! I believe that it's best to choose our fights wisely. In the arena of thought and idea, I will often times engage in a discussion for the purpose of offering a differing perspective. I will usually only 'put the gloves on' if an exchange I stumble upon is either irresponsibly aggressive, or potentially harmful. In the physical world, I could not stand by and allow thuggery to unfold without interference. I've always supported the notion that the pen, and therefore the mind, is mightier than the sword. However, brut force is generally irrational, so restraining aggressors may sometimes be the only way to create a necessary moment of pause, whereby reason my re-emerge. In my personal experience, most thugs 'stand down' when a calm, yet resolute voice of reason interjects. As your discussion relates to threads posted in MyLot, I would never attack another for their beliefs. We are each free to believe as we choose. And, I tend to support any such instance where folks are using the grey matter between their ears. However, we are not free to abuse others in the pursuit of expressing those beliefs, which in my perspective includes manipulative deception. Although I do enjoy a vigorous debate of ideas, I tend to stay away from the vitriolic. In those sorts of contentious discussions, the objective isn't generally the exchange of ideas anyway, so I figure -- why bother? As to whether silence implies consent ... well, yes I believe it does. Two quotes come to mind: "The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." - Haile Selassie

Hi again,If I am in position to be a part of discussion I will always say what I think,I will never just stay in silence!!We have to fight for our opinion!!We have to stay next to our friends and family!!In real life we have to be strong and free to say all we have to say!!In front of me no one cant beat anyone without my participation.I am a women but I am a fighter too!!I have my opinion and I fight for it!!I learn my children and grandchildren that they need to have opinion about all and be strong and fight for justice and freedom!! warm Regards Silvana

I'd like to correct a lot of things, but if it's not my conversation, well, I stay out of it. To me, silence does not mean consent. If I see a fight, and I have, I try to stop it. It doesn't always work, but it makes me a good witness for the person getting beat on. Once, I rescued a girl from her boyfriend's beating on a street corner. I pulled over, and with every bit of authority that I could, I said to her "Get in". I did not know her, but she did get in. I never saw her after that day, so I don't know if she stayed with the jerk or not. But, FOR THAT DAY, I made it better for her.

well silent really tells us a lot of things. it might be o"ok you win i will just shut up now" or it oculd be more of a angst kind of silence that later on will just errupt after a few seconds. silent really is kind of an expressions wherein you could hide youre emotions or a period of time wherein you could keep up youre composure

No, silence does not mean consent. Like disagreement, agreement should also be expressed in words. Keeping silent may also mean that one does not want to get involved in the discussion or the violent incident you have referred to. It is right that one should not attack other religions.

I think it really depends on people.Some of us would tell you if they agree and some of don't.I much more prefer when people are talking even if they agree or not.I know it is hard to speak in every situation, but we should becuase if we are silent everybody take it just their own way and then it can cause fights.

I just cannot stand a bad thing happening in front of me.I will do whatever I can immediately.That is my nature.Otherwiswe i just cannot sleep peacefully.

Silence means anything. I really dont believe in silence means yes. Like you if there is something that I dont agree with, and it's not important to express my opinion, I just shut up. There are things better unsaid, sometimes.

Those were old proverbs. If we know definitely we will reply. Nothing wrong in commenting ongovernmets' and religions we are in freelance only not a sensored press rules we are having.

This is interesting. Different people have different opinions, when I hear something that I think is wrong (that other person might think it's right!), it depends on that person's personality if I would say something or not. I don't think silence means consent, sometimes, I just don't want to waste my energy to "convert" some stubborn people's beliefs and that doesn't necessarily mean that I agree with them. If someone I don't know is being ridiculous rude to me or other people with some wicked opinions, I surely will say something out loud! And about a fight! I haven't seen those in my real life (lucky) but I always imagine that if I see something that dramatic, I would definitely at least try to help, not by fighting, but by calling the police!

Anglo-american law is based on the adversarial system so in nations like the US and England silence implies consent... The American Founders built this into the constitution in the form of the Bill of Rights, particularly the second and 4th amendments..this is also guaranteed in the 5th amendment which says you have the right not to be forced to testify against yourself. The adversarial system has it's source in the masculine codes of conduct where a man is always expected to defend himself by force when he is attacked in any way... even to the point of a duel in order to defend one's honor... this principle of the duel was preserved in Colonial America even to the point of the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in which Aaron Burr was killed by Hamilton. Over the years this principle has been modiefied somewhat but it still preserved in the legal and justice systems.. I personally am not all in agreement with it.. there are certainly times when it makes good sense to remain silent, particularly when dealing with someone who can't handle confronation in a peaceful manner..in such cases if may be a good idea to follow the Christian principles of turning the other cheek and of agreeing with one's adversary while in the way with him... continuing in your own path when the dangerous individual has removed himself from your presence.

I don't know drannhh. Before I met my husband, I always went with the old "Silence is golden" rule. I never spoke if I thought it would cause conflict. Well, guess what? He does the same darn thing. If he is silent, it usually means I did something bad. I've had to start speaking, even if it is going to cause conflict, just to show him that it IS ok to speak.

i havent seen a fight. but if ever i did, i will try to help. i just couldnt be silent and watch. perhaps if im too afraid to butt in ill probably call for help like calling police or someone who could lend a hand.