By Emiliano Rodríguez Nuesch and María Morena Vicente

From all the forms of communications, it’s fair to say that silence is the most versatile of them all. It is not only universal, but it can also have many meanings. It symbolizes mourning, solemnity, and resistance, while also serving as a form of nonviolent resistance, amplifying messages, fostering inclusivity, and evoking strong emotional responses.

The use of silence in various social causes, protests, and expressions stems from its symbolic power and the way it disrupts norms of communication. By deliberately choosing silence, activists command attention, encourage reflection, and create space for marginalized voices.

Silence can be heard

This oxymoron makes a lot of sense when we look back in history. One of the first ever recorded major mass demonstrations for civil rights was the 1917 NAACP Silent Protest Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

The event united an estimated 10,000 African Americans who marched silently down Fifth Avenue carrying banners condemning racist violence and racial discrimination.

London’s minute of silence for the 7/7 victims

Through this gesture of remembrance, London honors the memories of those who perished, while also reaffirming its commitment to unity, compassion, and strength in the aftermath of adversity.

Silence and Sports

While stadiums may be one of the loudest places on earth, they are also a space for gathering and sharing passion.

A moment of silence was held ahead of all Euro 2024 qualiﬁers to remember ‘all of the members of the European football family killed in recent days’. Teams from England, Italy, Malta, Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania, Hungary, San Marino, and Denmark stood in remembrance of the two Swedish fans who were shot dead in Brussels on 16 October ahead of Sweden’s qualifying match with Belgium. Attendees were also asked to remember the Israeli civilians killed by Hamas on 7 October.

Another important moment in the sports context was ‘The black power salute’ on the Olympic podium during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, during the medal ceremony for the 200m race. “You could have heard a frog piss on cotton,” said American footballer player, John Carlos in an interview with Gary Younge in 2012 when talking about this iconic event:

American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos silently raised their fists as a powerful gesture that drew global attention to the ongoing racial injustices faced by African Americans. “There’s something awful about hearing 50,000 people go silent”, he added, revealing one of the wide spectrum of emotions silence can evoke. After this movement, their careers suffered but “Morality was a far greater force than the rules and regulations they had.”

Minute of Silence Aboard Space Station for Paris Terrorist Victims

On November 16, 2015, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks, showcasing the profound global impact of such tragic events. Led by spacecraft communicator Hal Getzelman from Mission Control in Houston, the crew paused their activities at 6 a.m. to pay tribute to the lives lost. This gesture not only served as a solemn remembrance but also underscored the solidarity and empathy felt by those living and working in space with those affected on Earth. It stands as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of humanity, transcending geographical boundaries and affirming our shared humanity even amidst the vastness of space.

The Layers of Silence

Silence, with its massive and symbolic weight, carries profound psychological, cultural, and sociological effects. Its ability to seize attention and prompt contemplation makes it a potent tool in social causes and activism.

In essence and, contrary to popular belief, silence is more complex than it seems. Understanding and harnessing this power can catalyze meaningful change, foster deeper connections, and pave the way for empathy-driven dialogue in our interconnected world. Sometimes, it can be louder than words.

Let’s Make Some Noise: The Power of Silence