The brain is amazing and can lead us down many paths for a reward. Our brains want closure, and so we search our vast information file to make sense of things at the risk of jumping to a conclusion. That closure is followed by releasing the feel-good dopamine. The brain will recognize and complete patterns to reach an understanding, even if it could be false, based on stereotypes or assumptions.
We all do or don’t do things for a reason. We can be chatty in a conversation, participate or be silent. Silence is not a bad thing, even for an extrovert like me. The challenge is knowing the why behind the silence – at peace, uncertain, afraid or no thoughts at all.
Who is the silent majority?
The silent majority is an unspecified large group of people in a country or group who do not express their opinions publicly. There could be a number of reasons for this, from fear of retribution to the idea of privilege – as in the context of it is not your battle, so why get involved. The opposite of silent majority is the noisy minority, also known as a protester or the squeaky wheel. While these phrases have been around for a while, they got popular in the 60’s in the Nixon administration, when he was calling on the Silent Majority to speak out and not let the vocal protestors carry the path.
It follows that the silent majority is often misunderstood; not because they are intentionally ambiguous, but because their silence is rarely interpreted correctly. Silence can be compliance, discomfort, or even contemplation. In today’s cultural and political climate, understanding how to engage the silent majority has never been more critical—whether in conversations about gender equity, workplace inclusion, or even voting.
As I reflect on the themes in my book, Men-In-The-Middle: Conversations to Gain Momentum with Gender Equity’s Silent Majority, one thing is clear: our society cannot afford for the silent majority to stay on the sidelines. Particularly in areas like gender equity, these conversations hold the power to create meaningful change—not just for women, but for everyone.
The Silent Majority and Gender Equity
In my book, I discuss how well-meaning men often struggle to engage in conversations about gender equity. They’re not anti-equity, but they also may not know how to start. This hesitation stems from fear of saying the wrong thing or not fully understanding their role in the dialogue. Yet, these men—these "middle voices"—have the power to tip the scales toward progress. I gathered these insights by asking the men and conducting formal interviews and backed these insights with secondary research.
The reality is that research shows men hold the majority of leadership positions in corporate America and therefore influence pay, policies, and promotions; however, they also are the silent majority when it comes to gender equity. Some said it is not their issues to fight – this is a women’s issue.
Yet it is the silent majority that holds the weight of decision-making. Their participation could define the direction of policies, including those impacting workplace equity and representation. If we draw parallels between these two arenas—gender equity and civic participation—we find the same solutions: intentional dialogue and meaningful engagement with the silent majority.
In this year’s U.S. presidential election, young white men were the silent majority.
2024: A Year of Choice
In this year’s U.S. presidential election, young white men were the silent majority. The demographics of voters have shifted. Gen Z and Millennials make up nearly 40% of the electorate, while Boomers and Gen X continue to wield influence. Conversations about gender equity, diversity, and inclusion are also evolving, driven by these younger generations.
This moment calls for not just raising voices but inviting others into the conversation. What I’ve found in my work is that change rarely happens in echo chambers. Real progress occurs when people who are hesitant, unsure, or even skeptical are brought into the fold—not with blame or shame, but with empathy and understanding.
Breaking the Silence
The key to activating the silent majority is recognizing that silence does not equal apathy. Silence often means people are waiting for a safe space, waiting for guidance, or waiting for a reason to care deeply enough to act.
For example, in a workplace setting, many male leaders believe in equity but feel unsure of how to actively support it. They don’t know what steps to take, and they fear criticism if they misstep. The solution isn’t more rhetoric; it’s creating spaces where curiosity and vulnerability are welcomed.
Similarly, when we look at voting behaviors, those who feel disengaged often need a personal connection to the issues at hand. How will policies impact their families, their communities, or their workplaces? Activating this connection requires more than soundbites; it demands storytelling and shared experiences.
The Role of Storytelling
Stories have always been the bridge between silence and action. In Men-In-The-Middle, I highlight how personal stories can turn abstract concepts like “equity” into tangible realities. One man shared how a conversation about pay equity led him to rethink his team’s compensation structures. He hadn’t been opposed to equity before—it simply wasn’t on his radar.
The same applies to voter engagement. When someone hears how a policy affects their neighbor’s access to childcare or their cousin’s ability to attend college, they begin to see the stakes differently. Stories are the currency of connection.
Moving Forward Together
If we want to create change—whether in workplaces or in the voting booth—we must engage the silent majority. This means creating spaces for dialogue, equipping people with knowledge, and showing them that their voice matters.
For those who have already been vocal advocates, this can feel frustrating. Why should we invest in bringing hesitant voices to the table when so much work remains? But the truth is, the middle matters. Engaging the silent majority doesn’t dilute our efforts; it amplifies them.
As we approach the turning point of 2024, let’s not leave anyone behind. Whether it’s a colleague who has yet to understand his role in equity or a voter unsure of how their ballot impacts the future, let’s commit to breaking the silence. The future depends on it.
Final Thought
Now is the time to ask: What conversations have you been avoiding because they feel too hard? What steps can you take to invite someone into a dialogue about equity, inclusion, or civic participation?
Progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in the middle.
And when the brain gets closure on an issue that has been plaguing us for centuries, we will all get a dopamine boost.