Audre Lorde: 'When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.'

When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.

In her powerful quote, Audre Lorde captures the essence of the paradoxical fear that often accompanies the act of speaking out. She acknowledges that when we voice our thoughts and opinions, there is an underlying apprehension that our words may go unheard or be met with resistance. However, Lorde astutely highlights that even in silence, fear persists. Therefore, she asserts that it is ultimately better to overcome this fear and speak our truth. This quote resonates with numerous social, cultural, and personal spheres, highlighting the importance of finding our voice and expressing ourselves.While the straightforward interpretation of Lorde's quote emphasizes the significance of overcoming fear to be heard and understood, we can delve deeper into a philosophical concept that sheds a different light on the topic. The existential concept of "The Absurd" coined by philosopher Albert Camus lends itself here, highlighting the complex nature of human existence. Camus suggests that life is inherently devoid of meaning and purpose, which creates a fundamental tension between our longing for significance and the inherent meaninglessness of existence.Drawing on this philosophical perspective, we stumble upon a fascinating parallel with Lorde's quote. The fear of speaking and being unheard stems from the anxiety of being rendered insignificant or purposeless. Similar to the existential anguish caused by the absence of meaning, the fear of silence perpetuates a sense of insignificance, making it an equally unsettling choice.By comparing the fear of being unheard with the existential fear of insignificance, we begin to see a profound connection. Both scenarios are marked by an inherent fear that exposes our vulnerability, yet silence amplifies this fear by perpetuating a sense of powerlessness. In essence, the fear of not being heard or welcomed is a valid concern, but it pales in comparison to the fear of remaining silent.Furthermore, Lorde's quote reminds us that remaining silent does not guarantee the absence of fear. In fact, silence can intensify fear, as it fosters a sense of powerlessness and erodes our agency. When we choose silence, we surrender our ability to contribute to meaningful discussions, effect change, or challenge existing norms. In doing so, we become complicit in perpetuating the very injustices or misalignments we may fear speaking out against.Lorde's quote compels us to recognize the significance of finding our voice, not merely for our own liberation but also for the betterment of society. It speaks to the courage required to express one's truth, even in the face of potential rejection or misunderstanding. By speaking up, we empower ourselves, claim our space, and begin to dismantle the barriers that stifle our voices.Speaking out carries the potential to foster dialogue, bridge gaps, challenge assumptions, and ignite change. It is through speaking that we can actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable society. While the fear of being unheard may lurk in the shadows, the fear of silence is an ever-present specter that can only be dispelled by embracing our voice and standing up for what we believe in.In conclusion, Audre Lorde's quote encapsulates the dual fears associated with speaking and remaining silent. It echoes the sentiment that while the fear of not being heard or welcomed is valid, the fear of silence is equally, if not more, unsettling. Drawing upon the existential concept of The Absurd, we can understand the parallels between choosing silence and the inherent fear of insignificance. In embracing our voice and speaking out, we not only conquer our own fears but also contribute to dismantling the barriers that suppress marginalized voices. It is through speaking that we empower ourselves, effect change, and foster a more inclusive and just society.