LESSON 14–Stand
I couldn’t end on the previous chapter. This chapter was written in December of your 12th year, I see a world that is no less broken than it was when Lesson 13 was written. This year was rocked with a string of celebrities and politicians being exposed for sexual impropriety (which seems like too benign a descriptor). Now, it seems like the dominoes are starting to fall. Sadly, all we are hearing are half-hearted apologies and denials. (Sadly, still the trend continues into 2022.)
I read comments that certain of these men have shown courage for apologizing. I would argue that it takes very little courage to apologize after one has been exposed. In addition, the organizations that have harbored these men (in many cases, for decades) seem to take no responsibility. How these can claim that they were unaware is beyond comprehension. The reality is that we must all take ownership.
Women are finally finding the strength to stand against those who have persisted in making unwanted advances and worse in the workplace. Some may be wrongfully accused, but there is no doubt that countless women have be harassed and assaulted in the workplace—in places where they should feel safe. My heart hurts for these women. Moreover, my anger boils for those who have allowed it to happen.
I want you to have the courage to stand up to bullies and abusers. When you see something that you know to be wrong, don’t ignore it and don’t walk away. Stand for what is right. Be courageous. Stand!
I was taught many years ago to “avoid the appearance of evil”. In other words, conduct yourself in such a way as to give nothing to your would-be accusers. If we act as such and avoid situations in which we can be without a strong defense against false accusations, we cannot be wrongly accused.
Be upright in your treatment of others. It is never appropriate to sexually harass another. Moreover, speak out when you observe others act inappropriately.
You are growing up in the digital age. It is much different than it was for me as a young man. The Internet and social media provide the possibility of being inadvertently complicit in unacceptable behavior. If someone includes you in a message that includes statements that you know to be inappropriate and/or abusive, you must act. Inaction makes you complicit from a legal perspective. More importantly it makes you morally complicit. If someone shares an objectionable comment via text or message, clearly state your objection, lest you be perceived guilty. But more important than covering your own behind, you are taking a stand that what others are doing in not acceptable. It is the least you can do. As best you can, protect those who are vulnerable. Speak up. Stand!
Pictures and words are one thing. Physical abuse is yet another. Far too many times in our broken world we see by-stander do nothing. Worse, we see people videotape people being harmed without doing anything to intervene. This must not be! Stand!
Don’t only stand when the physical harm is threatened. In some ways, this is easy. I have found it easiest to step-in in such situations. Shamefully, as I alluded to in the previous chapter, I have not always spoken up when words have been thrown around. I hope you will learn from my experience and do better. Encourage others to do the same. Be an example of moral strength and character.
Stand!
Carpe momento!!
© W. Jeffrey Armstrong, 2022