In response to a viral Facebook post urging students to “walk up instead of out” on National Walkout Day, author and activist Gloria Mitchell didn’t hold back her criticism of the “walk up” movement, labeling it as complete nonsense. The concept encourages students to approach their peers with kindness rather than participating in protests following the tragic shooting in Parkland. While promoting kindness is commendable, shifting the responsibility of halting violence onto innocent children is, frankly, unacceptable.
Mitchell firmly voiced her opinion, stating, “I have dedicated much of my life to promoting radical kindness within our families, schools, and society through my activism and creative work. However, I must unequivocally state that the #walkupnotout initiative is a harmful and misguided approach.” She emphasizes that her concerns aren’t about kindness itself, which everyone should practice, but rather about the implications of the “walking up” concept.
“Imagine a group of abused children organizing a rally to advocate for laws protecting them from their abusers, and I respond by telling them to simply return home and be nicer to their parents,” Mitchell argues. The survivors of the Parkland shooting are victims. To suggest that they should have been friendlier to the shooter is not only simplistic but also dangerously shifts the blame onto them.
Mitchell continues with another poignant example: “Consider when a group of individuals suffering from domestic violence gathers to call for measures against it, and I choose that moment to advise them to just be kinder to their partners.” She elaborates that this line of thinking is irresponsible and fails to help those in pain. Would we really advise our daughters to just be “nicer” to men to prevent assaults? Do we genuinely believe that kindness alone can deter a violent individual with a weapon? The answer is a resounding NO.
This mindset, lecturing children to simply “be nice,” is lazy and dismissive. Young people are fully capable of understanding complex issues, engaging in meaningful discussions, and challenging the flawed systems around them. The Parkland students have demonstrated this capacity impressively.
“‘Walk Up Not Out’ is the ‘All Lives Matter’ of gun reform,” Mitchell concludes. “This movement deflects responsibility away from adults, legislators, and the gun lobby. It is not the duty of our children to protect themselves from gun violence; that responsibility lies with us. So keep walking out, students. We’ll support you.”
For an extended read on related topics, check out this resource on home insemination. Additionally, for those interested in fertility options, this article on IVF is an excellent resource. You can also visit Modern Family Blog for more insights into this crucial conversation.
In summary, Gloria Mitchell challenges the “walk up” movement as a misguided solution to gun violence, arguing that it unfairly places the onus on children rather than addressing the systemic issues at hand. By promoting genuine activism and support, we can better advocate for our youth and work toward real change.