What would you do?

 

The popular tv show, What would you do? Portrays every day sceneriors in public to see how others react. ‘Will step up or stay silent?’ is a question they ask the viewers.

Have you ever seen the show? Actors in various locations play out a scene ranging from kids telling their parents they are gay, kids bullying kids, a cheating spouse, and many forms of discrimination.

I have learned a lot from this show and often ask myself, would I speak up? Sometimes the answer is no and others it is of course I would. However, this is from the safety of my couch, I wonder what I would do in real life.

What I have learned from the show and am thankful for is that it has given me insight into the value of speaking up when I see something wrong. Of course within reason to my own safety and within reason. I find I am more likely to comfort the injured party than to do direct confrontation with the aggressor. Of course when it comes to animals or children I am more than willing to speak up.

But how do you know when to act? Is it your business when you overhear a conversation to say something? I guess it depends on the situation. Is the person in danger, being abused, harassed, than yes. Listening in on a break up, I probably wouldn’t say anything. Listening in to someone pushing drugs on a friend or being racist to them, more likely I would be tempted to say something.

When would you speak up? What is the line you wouldn’t cross? What makes something our business? Would race, age, or gender matter?

If you get a chance to watch the show, I highly recommend it. Very eye opening and though provoking.

‘What would you do?’