Speaking Up – Part 5 – the Downside of Speaking Up

Yes, there is a downside to speaking up, telling the truth, being a whistle blower. Mahatma Gandhi spoke
up and was imprisoned. Jesus spoke up and was crucified. Modern day whistle blowers have been terrorized. Saying unpopular things or being the lone voice of reason or pointing out data that bursts the prevailing illusion can lead to ostracism/death of one kind or another. Most of us are reluctant to risk that.

In point of fact, picture this. Sea World, about 25 people (7 of whom are kids) at the
manatee tank – in the front part of the tank, there is a manatee eating from a floating head of lettuce, beside which is a turd – about 8 inches long, 2 inches in diameter, deep brown color – no way to miss it. Everyone is pretending to be watching the manatee; while in reality, all are watching the 
disintegration of this turd. No one spoke up, not even one of the kids. Same thing happened in Nazi Germany.

And that's the downside of NOT speaking up – illusion persists.

Our choice is clear – speak up, risk rejection, stand in faith … or don't speak up, add to delusion, stand in fear.

PS This happens regularly in relationships. Both know, both pretend they don't know; the relationship is considered stable, while it dies from the inside out. I know this personally.