The unjust exclusion of silence

Iyer, Prakash (2021) The unjust exclusion of silence. Teacher Plus. ISSN 0973-778

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Abstract

“We are in a democratic society and everyone should know their rights. But that is not enough, one should be capable of making good reasonable arguments. Rights can only be claimed through reason and argument.” I was disturbed by Ira’s statement, and more so by her condescension. As if being a citizen in a democracy was a specialist’s work, and only people who can be articulate could become active citizens. I was overcome by irritation, but couldn’t do anything about it. Her demand that one needs to be an expert in reasoning silenced me. I think she is wrong, and I wanted to ask her why she thought so. I spoke but my voice came out hoarse and I had to clear my throat. But she was already looking somewhere else. I walked away to the water filter, filled the glass, and was staring at it. The glass looked so clean and spotless that I felt I would dirty it by sipping from it. I was sweating, with chalk dust all over my hands upto my elbow. I am sure some of it was on my face too, as I often push my hair back, or wipe my sweat in the classroom.

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Article

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Iyer, Prakash

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