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.