In the wake of the tragic Parkland shooting, a viral social media campaign emerged, urging students to “walk up” to peers rather than “walk out” in protest. Gloria Steele, an author and activist, did not hesitate to express her disdain for this initiative, labeling it as completely misguided.
The “walk up” concept suggests that students should approach their classmates with kindness instead of participating in protests aimed at addressing gun violence. While the intention behind promoting kindness is commendable, placing the burden of preventing mass shootings on children is, quite frankly, unacceptable.
Steele articulated her discontent clearly: “Throughout my career, I have advocated for radical kindness within our families, schools, and communities. However, I must emphasize that the #walkupnotout movement is fundamentally flawed and dangerous.” She elaborated that her critique is not against kindness itself, as we all should strive to be kind, but rather against the implications of this movement.
“Imagine a group of children suffering from abuse organizing a protest to demand protection from their abusers,” she posits. “Now, imagine someone telling them to simply go home and be nicer to those who hurt them.” This line of reasoning is not only shortsighted but also amounts to victim-blaming. The students from Parkland are victims of violence, and suggesting they could have changed the outcome by being kinder to the assailant is not only simplistic but also harmful.
Steele continued her argument with another powerful analogy: “Consider a group of survivors of domestic violence advocating for laws to protect them, only to be told to be kinder to their abusers instead.” Such perspectives fail to address the real issues at hand and shift responsibility away from those who perpetuate violence.
The notion that being nice to potential aggressors will prevent tragic events is fundamentally flawed. Would we advise our daughters to simply be nicer to men to avoid assault? The answer is a resounding no. This misguided approach undermines the capabilities of young people, who are fully capable of engaging in meaningful dialogue and advocating for change. The students from Parkland have demonstrated their ability to confront systemic issues directly.
Steele concludes by asserting, “‘Walk Up Not Out’ is akin to the ‘All Lives Matter’ phrase in discussions surrounding gun reform. It distracts from the real responsibilities of adults, legislators, and organizations like the NRA. It is not the duty of our children to shield themselves from gun violence; it is ours as a society. So I say to the students: Keep walking out. We stand with you.”
In summary, Gloria Steele’s critique of the “walk up” movement highlights the dangers of shifting responsibility for preventing violence onto children. Instead of encouraging students to be kinder to potential threats, we should support their right to protest for their safety and well-being. For more information on topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource, and explore fertility solutions offered by experts in the field.