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.
