In response to a trend that gained traction on social media, urging students to “walk up instead of out” during National Walkout Day, author and activist Gloria Jensen didn’t hold back on her criticism of the “walk up” movement, calling it a misguided idea. The premise encourages students to approach classmates and engage in acts of kindness rather than participating in walkouts following the tragic Parkland shooting. While spreading kindness is undoubtedly important, shifting the responsibility of preventing violence onto children simply because they should befriend their peers is, frankly, quite disturbing.
Jensen articulates her stance clearly: “Throughout my career, I’ve championed radical kindness within our communities and families,” she writes. “Yet, I must firmly state that the #walkupnotout concept is a harmful and dangerous approach.” Jensen emphasizes that her objections are not about kindness itself—something we should all aspire to—but rather about the implications of telling children to simply “be nicer” instead of addressing the real issues at hand.
She goes on to present a powerful analogy: “Imagine a group of children suffering from abuse organizing a rally to demand protection, and I suggest they just go home and be kind to their abusers. It’s absurd.” The survivors of Parkland are victims, and implying that they could have prevented the tragedy by simply being nicer to the shooter is not only simplistic but also borders on victim-blaming.
Jensen further illustrates her point by likening it to a scenario where victims of domestic violence are advised to just be kinder to their spouses while advocating for legislative change against domestic abuse. The question is clear: should we really expect our children to combat violence by simply being nicer? The answer is a resounding NO.
This line of reasoning is not only lazy but also condescending. Young people are more than capable of navigating complex situations, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and challenging the status quo. The Parkland students have exemplified this courage and commitment to advocacy.
In her conclusion, Jensen states, “‘Walk Up Not Out’ is akin to the ‘All Lives Matter’ movement in the context of gun reform. It deflects responsibility away from adults, lawmakers, and the gun lobby. It’s not the job of our children to shield themselves from gun violence—that responsibility lies with us. Keep walking out, kids. We stand with you.”
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In summary, Gloria Jensen’s critique of the “walk up” movement highlights the dangers of placing the burden of preventing violence on children rather than addressing systemic issues. It’s crucial to support young voices advocating for change and to recognize that kindness alone cannot solve deep-rooted societal problems.
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