This past weekend, I watched in horror from 20 miles outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, where I live, as my husband’s hometown became the stomping grounds of racist, hate-filled outsiders on a destructive mission.
An obvious visual of hate, the events that unfolded in Charlottesville are unacceptable and disgusting. But they’re happening all around us, every. single. day.
Would you be able to recognize a hate crime on a smaller scale if it were happening right in front of you? If so, would you know how to respond?
When major hate crimes like the scene in Charlottesville flood our screens, we often feel helpless. Like there’s nothing in our humanness that we can do to make the situation “better.” The feeling is understandable.
But there are scenarios where we CAN make a difference.
An artist named Marie Shirine Yener created a viral comic that illustrates how to respond if you see someone being harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion or identity.
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In just four simple steps, the 22-year-old’s guide demonstrates how to create a safe environment for a victim of hate.
A fist fight won’t solve the problem, but kindness can.
1. Engage them in conversation.
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Move from where you are and position yourself beside the person being attacked. Ignore the attacker, and remain calm while striking up a friendly conversation.
2. Continue the discussion.
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Yener’s guide says to pick a “random subject,” and start discussing it. Then keep the conversation going in an effort to dismiss the aggressor’s actions.
3. Keep building the safe space.
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Again, ignore the attacker. Keep eye contact with the person you’re comforting, and dismiss the negative actions of others.
4. Execute the mission completely.
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Don’t stop talking when the aggressor walks away. Continue the conversation, stay engaged and escort them to a safe place if they are comfortable with you doing so.
“I want to help people to become more aware of less privileged peoples’ struggles. Terrorism has been hitting us all hard. We need to stand together and block the road to any form of hate that could spawn from fear,” Yener told CNN.
Of course every situation is different. The aggressor very well may do the opposite of what we would hope. Rather than backing down from inaction, they could become more agitated.
Experts suggest if there is a feeling that the situation may escalate to physical assault or further violence, the best thing to do is help facilitate the victim’s physical escape from the scene. It’s recommended that you ask other bystanders or authorities to help or intervene.
In the end, the goal is to serve our brothers and sisters. Love them, care for them, stand up for them, and most of all, respect them.
If you see something, do something.
