By Elizabeth A. Mitchell, The Catholic Thing - There is a social phenomenon known as the “spiral of silence.” This spiral is based upon fear, fear of being set apart or ostracized for our views, fear that causes us to remain silent instead of voicing our convictions. We remain silent out of insecurity or a mistaken belief that no one shares our viewpoint, thus enabling the “spiral” of silence... In this vacuum of silence, however, a counter-narrative takes the megaphone. The louder, bolder voice dictates the rules and the agenda.