Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Don't make me come over there!

Melissa over at Just Another Day In Paradise wrote an entry today about the show "What Would You Do?"

While I'm not familiar with that show, I've seen similar segments on some news show ("Dateline" maybe?). The premise is that they stage scenarios involving sticky situations--a couple fighting, people vandalizing others' property, racist behavior--and see what passersby do. Do they ignore the situation, or do they get involved, and if so, how far do they go to stop the bad behavior?

It's a fascinating study, and very thought-provoking. I remember when Ken and I watched the news show, we had a good discussion about it, and I hope the show that Melissa referenced is making people think about how they would react when faced with such a situation.

Like Melissa, I dislike confrontation. I will always try to find a peaceful way to deal with things, and if that sometimes means walking away, I will do so, at least when it comes to personal confrontations. If you want to get in my face and scream at me, you're wasting your time, because that doesn't accomplish anything, and I will walk away and leave you to your own anger. I won't be drawn into it. This fish ain't bitin'.

However, I dislike bullying and injustice even more when it is done to others, and I can't sit back and watch it done to someone. As a single woman, I wasn't always like that, and although I don't recall any situations where I could have or should have stepped in, I would have been very hesitant to do so. At 5 feet nothing, I'm not exactly an imposing figure, and I was very self-protective. Getting together with Ken changed all that. Not only does he never hesitate to step in if needed, he's a pretty big guy and I know he'll have my back if I step in first.

It's a fine line. We all have to be careful, and we don't want to end up as casualties of a situation that quickly becomes volatile. But if we see something that strikes us wrong, shouldn't we speak up? Whether it's a parent harming a child, a guy roughing up his girlfriend or wife, someone shouting racial epithets, or a proprietor telling someone wearing a head scarf to get out of their store because they look like terrorists, it is up to us as ordinary citizens to step up and say, "This has to stop." Ordinary citizens can sometimes be everyday heroes, and it's within our power to call people out on their behavior. If we feel it's too dangerous to get involved, call the police. We can make a difference. I believe that change begins with us as individuals.

And just to let you know, don't let Ken and I catch you if you're up to no good. The Nutwood Justice League is en garde.

12 comments:

  1. It is a 'Nightline' thingy on ABC. I have only caught pieces of it myself.

    The one 'piece' concern obvious discrimination by a realtor. One lady was so out done that she could barely contain herself! Others were uncomfortable with the realtor, and said nothing.

    It is hard to gauge where the line is at between interfering and making a difference. Luckily, I have a prescence and don't worry too much about stepping over that particular line. But I don't stand idle when something seems like it is about to 'jump off'.

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  2. Makes me thing to the Godfathers (I rocked out to them on the way home) concert, and how I hepped the di$*wad that knocked you over back to his part of the floor.

    Amazing that I have not gotten myself into bad situations by stepping in, but I guess how I see myself and how others perceive me is different :o)

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  3. We love that show! There was a time and day, not so long ago, that there would have not been any question. People would intervene whenever they saw something wrong. One of the reasons there wasn't such a problem then as there is now. These days, people will stand around or walk by while someone's beating you to death.

    It's a great show & I agree, a very interesting study. There are still a few stand-up Americans that will call someone out for wrong-doing.

    And never underestimate a petite woman - a man can get hurt in so doing!! :)

    Dirk
    THE FIRST AMENDMENT, NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT II
    http://tsalagiman2.blogspot.com/

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  4. Hi Beth,
    Once in college (in Philadelphia) for one of my classes I had to participate in one of these tests. The goal was to see what people would say/how they would respond, to the appearance in an elevator of someone obviously crippled and struggling with a huge load of groceries. I had to wear a cast on my leg, walk with crutches and struggle to "catch" an elevator while balancing two shopping bags that were filled to the brim with groceries. Most people just looked at me and didn't say anything as elevator doors closed on me, groceries spilled all over the floor and etc.
    Best,
    Marty

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  5. You were right, it's a news program put on by ABC. My daughter and I often watch that together and discuss what we would do ourselves in the different situations .. or what we HOPE we would do! It is though provoking and I hope they keep producing more.

    Monica

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  6. Urgh, thoughT not though provoking. I can spell ... sometimes! (when my head is securely fastened)

    Monica

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  7. I agree with you...especially if I had that big guy of your's behind me. LOL

    Seriously, we as individuals can make a difference. I'm with you though...I don't want to get shot or anything so when in doubt dial 911....or Ken

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  8. PS..... I have an award for you. Come by & pick it up


    Hugs;)

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  9. i saw the show where they faked someone trying to kidnap a little boy. So many walked on by. Scary times. Indifference is an injustice, period.
    XOXO

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  10. It's pretty interesting to me how people react. Get involved? Not get involved? Not sure where I'd stand personally.....unfortunately.....Good read~

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  11. Beth, I continue to think about the different situations and see myself in them. I guess the true answer is that we don't know for sure what any of us would do unless we were in the situation. I like to think that all of us would do the right thing. I do know for sure that there are certain situations that would bring out more of a "Mama Lion" response from me and that would be any situation where I saw an underdog (person or animal) being mistreated. Cruelty makes me crazy.

    Hasn't it been interesting to seeing people's answers.

    Hugs,
    Melissa

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  12. Oh this sounds like a neat show, I've never seen it but would like to. I am going to have to look for this and check it out.

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