What if you found yourself within earshot of a private conversation among people you did not know that involved hate speech? Regardless of whether the bigoted slurs were being directed at you or anyone else nearby, they were being spoken loudly enough for everyone to hear. Would you say or do anything?
I found myself in this situation the other day, "trapped" as a captive audience to such verbal violence while standing in line for over 30 minutes. And what did I do? Nothing at all, except for grimace each time the hate-ridden words sliced the air. I am ashamed, and I'm now regretting it terribly. Not very becoming of a so-called "community advocate". Never again.
What would you have done?
Monday, January 14, 2008
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3 comments:
i would have taken it, just like you; but no more - we shall overcome !!! - a
I don't know, I think you have to pick your battles. That sounds like a potentially dangerous situation to interrupt... And unfortunately your point would probably be missed as the people flung hate speech your way instead of listening. But that's just my cynical opinion.
- j
Yeah, I still wrestle with it, too. On the one hand, I wonder whether it would make any difference, not to mention the safety factor. But there's also some danger associated with silence in that it could imply acceptance.
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