We’re all taught that if we see something, we should say something. However, how many people actually listen to that?

Every single day, there are numerous incidents reported on the news in all parts of the world, including incidents about rape, violence, abuse, or something else. There are always news articles about hate crimes, racism, and other terrible things. How many of you actually speak up about these incidents?

It’s important to always speak up, because it's necessary to educate others and let them learn right from wrong. We learn from mistakes through other people. If you speak up, you can influence others to speak up as well. Speaking up is important because you’re being a voice to those who may not be heard. Be the voice that someone else needs. Speaking up helps to remind those who are suffering in silence that they matter and that they are important.

Speaking up should be a priority, because you can help to make a difference in the world. When you speak up about the events that have happened, you are informing others who may not have known. When you speak up about hate crimes and other events, you are educating others about how to stand together. When you speak up about positive events, it lets other people know that the world isn’t always bad, that there are people out there who care, and there are people who are fighting for our rights. You help make the world a better place by being the change it needs. Speaking up helps those who feel belittled or useless know that they matter. This allows others to understand that we are all here for a reason, and that our lives matter.

When you don’t speak up about things, such as rape, hate crimes, racism, bullying, or abuse, you’re letting others think that it’s not important. You’re letting those who commit these crimes believe that they can continue to do them and get away with it. You’re letting those who were affected by these crimes feel like they do not matter. You’re letting the world normalize these awful things, making people feel that this is just an everyday occurrence and that it’s not a big deal.

Hate crimes, racism, bullying, violence, and rape should not be normalized, which is why it’s so important to talk about them. Speaking up about these events will help others speak up about them as well. When we unite and stand together, we are showing the world that we do not tolerate hate.

Speak up, because it can potentially save a life.