Cue Mic Drop: Mom's Powerful Response to "Walk Up Not Out" Movement Needs to Be Read by Everyone
The "Walk Up Not Out" movement, which made waves on social media during the March 14 national school walkout demonstration, certainly came off as well-intentioned, what with its references to the Golden Rule and simple call to action to "just be nice." But, if it still didn't sit well with you, there's a reason for it, and no one has so powerfully explained why like writer Glennon Doyle.
In a Facebook post alongside her original tweet on the topic, she acknowledged the importance of "encouraging radical kindness in our families, schools, and country" and agreed that "we all should" be kinder to one another. But, none of that makes the "Walk Up Not Out" movement right. In fact, she said, "I want to go on record saying it is a terrible, dangerous idea."
The key issue with the movement, she wrote, is about timing, and about the concept of "instead." Here's how she eloquently explained it:
I believe, in general, that children should be kind their parents. But . . . please imagine this: A group of abused children organize a demonstration to demand legislation to protect them from abuse and I choose THAT DEMONSTRATION to tell them to instead just go home and be kind to their parents.
I believe, in general, that spouses should be kind to each other. But . . . please imagine this: A group of abused women and men organize a demonstration to create legislation against domestic violence and I chose THAT VERY DEMONSTRATION to tell them to instead just go home and be kinder to their spouses.
Or how about this: What if right after a terrorist attack on our soil, I suggest to a meeting of bereaved American families, that they just go home and try to be kind to terrorists so terrorists don't have to keep getting so upset and violent.
Be kinder to your parents so you don't get hit.
Be kinder to your spouse so you don't get beaten.
Be kinder to men so you don't get raped.
Be kinder to other students so you don't get shot.No.
"'Walk Up Not Out' is the All Lives Matter of gun reform," Glennon said. "It is another way to deflect responsibilities from the adults and the legislators and the NRA and the GUNS in this country. It is not our children's responsibility to protect themselves from gun violence."
She's right: it's not their burdern — it's ours.