Noise

I need to declare something.

I let my baby daughter watch TV in the mornings.

When I say 'let', obviously it's not like she asks me. Perhaps I should rephrase.

I put ABC Kids on TV in the mornings when my baby daughter wakes up at stupid o'clock, because she loves watching the theme songs and I get to nap on the couch for a bit until I'm ready to face the day, and/ or she needs breakfast or a nappy change.

It works for us, and I can't believe how much she loves the theme songs of all the little shows. Her favourite, by a long way, is Raa Raa the Noisy Lion.

Raa Raa loves making noise in the Jingly Jangly Jungle. Even the stones make noise. My question to you, is what sort of noise do you make?

What sort of noise do you make to those around you? Are you known as the person who is generally positive and enthusiastic? Do you leave people feeling cheerful? When people see you coming into the room, do they brace themselves for a wave of whinging? Do you say things which are encouraging, or do you bring others down? We all have not-so-great days and need to vent, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, what are you usually like? Do you make noise of support, or noises which hinder?

Do you make noise of challenge? We often associate good with quiet. We teach children to sit quietly, to not make noise, to put their hands up until called upon. Sometime, though, the right and good thing to do is to make noise of challenge, to stand up for people and to rebel against authority.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I did not speak out, because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.

The above quote is from Martin Niemöller, a German Protestant pastor who opposed the Nazi regime. Whilst the exact version is subject to some historical debate (due to the fact that he spoke on numerous occasions), the intent is clear. I first came across this quote about 15 years ago in Social Studies class at school and it has stuck with me ever since. I certainly shaped and inspired many of my actions to call for change.

As a teacher, I help to encourage and equip students to not be a 'bully bystander'. I urge you to not remain silent when you should speak. Respond to that offensive Facebook comment, call out your friend when she makes a racist joke. Stand up for your brother when he is attacked at a family barbecue for his views about how he raises his child. In short, endeavour to speak out when needed - do not remain silent when you should not.

Life is filled with noises - good and bad, soft and loud, conforting and painful, and everything in between and beyond. What sort of raa-raa-ing are you doing?