If You See Something; Say Something

It’s a big deal in the big cities, but I think it’s important anywhere it seems odd.

If you hear or see something that could be illegal or potentially hurtful to someone, take the time to say something.  You don’t need to necessarily call 911 unless it’s an immediate danger-like situation.  You can call your local police, sheriff or fire department.

If you see a duffel bag sitting next to a mail box, bring it to a security guard’s or policeman’s attention.

Better safe than sorry.

Just cuz…

Stand Up For Yourself

For the most part, I think our lives go pretty much uninterrupted. We tend to do the right things, make the right choices, and live a fairly normal life. That’s not to say it’s not a roller coaster ride at times, but again, for the most part, these road bumps aren’t too bad. And yes, there are those HUGE things that happen to us that are unexpected, and can be life changing. Most of the time, there was very little we could have done to avoid them, and we – thankfully – have the strength and skills to barrel through these adversities.

I think we tend to play it safe, too. And a lot of the time, it doesn’t have any adverse affect.

These are the things I would like to talk about today. Those times where we may play it safe because we don’t want to stir things up, or because we don’t want any negative attention. I’d like to think for a moment, about the other side of the coin.

Scenario

You are getting coffee in your workplace break room. When you walk in, you see a group of coworkers, smile, and proceed to get your coffee. Then you overhear someone in the group say something about a coworker that isn’t there. It’s a disparaging comment. You didn’t misunderstand it, you know that it’s a comment that should not have been made. It could be a racist comment, or a rumor about personal details of a coworker’s life, whatever, you know that it’s gossip or it’s downright wrong.

Do you ignore the comment and walk away? I mean, they weren’t talking to you, or about you. Do you still confront the group on the inappropriateness of the comment? This could brand you as a snitch, a rat, an eavesdropper. Do you take the risk?

I can’t say what to do, but it’s something to think about.

I am trying hard to stand up for what I believe. I’m not pushing my beliefs on others, but if I see or hear something that I object to, I say something – or I try very hard to muster up the courage to say something.

So why not consider it?

If someone in the coffee line makes a sexist or racist comment or tells an off-color joke within earshot, and you don’t like it, say “I’d appreciate not hearing comments like that” or “I don’t feel that’s appropriate for loud conversation.” Do not, by all means, put yourself in a dangerous situation, and don’t be confrontational, but try to help people realize that there is a time and a place for certain things – and some things there is not time and place for at all.

Just cuz…