Module 4: Building a Better World
Building a better world requires more than just understanding the big picture; it requires action in our everyday lives. Each of us has the power to challenge hate speech, prejudice, and discrimination when we encounter it, whether it's in person, online, or within our own communities. This can feel daunting, but even small acts of resistance can make a difference.
This section provides practical strategies for challenging harmful behavior. It's important to remember that safety is paramount. You are never obligated to put yourself at risk. Choose strategies that feel appropriate and safe for the specific situation.
A. Bystander Intervention:
What do you do when you witness someone being targeted with hate speech or discriminatory behavior? Bystander intervention is about taking action to support the person being targeted and to disrupt the harmful behavior.
The 5 D's of Bystander Intervention: This is a helpful framework for thinking about different ways to intervene:
Direct: Directly confront the harasser (e.g., "That's not okay," "Please stop saying that"). Use with caution, only when it feels safe.
Distract: Create a distraction to interrupt the situation (e.g., start a conversation with the person being targeted, spill a drink "accidentally").
Delegate: Get help from someone else (e.g., a friend, a manager, security personnel).
Delay: Check in with the person being targeted after the incident to offer support and see if they need anything.
Document: If it's safe to do so, document the incident (e.g., take a video, write down what happened). Be mindful of privacy and consent.
Assessing the Situation: Before intervening, quickly assess the situation:
Is it safe to intervene directly?
What are the potential risks and benefits?
What are the best options for supporting the person being targeted?
Prioritizing Safety: Your safety and the safety of the person being targeted are the most important considerations.
B. Calling In vs. Calling Out:
There are different ways to address harmful behavior. Two common approaches are "calling in" and "calling out."
Calling Out: This involves publicly confronting someone about their harmful behavior. It can be done in person or online. Calling out can be effective for raising awareness, holding people accountable, and setting boundaries. However, it can also be confrontational and may not always lead to positive change.
Use when: Public, egregious behavior.
Calling In: This involves engaging in a private, compassionate conversation with someone about their harmful behavior. It's about inviting them to understand the impact of their words or actions and to consider a different perspective. Calling in is often more effective for promoting learning and growth.
Use When: One-on-one conversation, there is an existing relationship.
Choosing the Right Approach: The best approach depends on the specific situation, your relationship with the person, and your goals. Consider:
Is this a public or private setting?
Do I have a relationship with this person?
Is the person likely to be receptive to feedback?
What is my goal: to educate, to stop the behavior, or to protect the person being targeted?
C. Responding to Microaggressions:
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, expressions of bias or prejudice. They can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental. While they may seem small, they can have a cumulative negative impact on the person being targeted.
Examples of Microaggressions:
Asking a person of color, "Where are you really from?" (implies they are not "true" Americans).
Telling a woman she's "too emotional" (reinforces gender stereotypes).
Assuming a person with a disability needs help without asking.
Complimenting a BIPOC individual on how "articulate" they are.
Responding to Microaggressions:
Make the "invisible" visible: Point out the underlying message (e.g., "When you ask me where I'm really from, it makes me feel like you don't see me as American.").
Disarm the microaggression: Challenge the stereotype or assumption (e.g., "Actually, women are just as capable of being rational as men.").
Express your feelings: Share how the microaggression made you feel (e.g., "I feel uncomfortable when you say that.").
Educate (if appropriate): If the person seems open to learning, you can explain why their words or actions were harmful.
Set boundaries: You can also choose to simply set a boundary (e.g., "I'm not going to engage in this conversation.").
Prioritize self-care: Responding to microaggressions can be exhausting, so take care of yourself.
D. Online Etiquette
Challenging hate speech and misinformation online requires a different set of strategies.
Think Before You Engage: Before responding to a hateful or misinformed comment, ask yourself:
Is it worth engaging? Will it likely lead to a productive conversation?
Is it safe to engage? Am I putting myself at risk of harassment?
What is my goal?
Strategies:
Report the content: Most social media platforms have mechanisms for reporting hate speech and misinformation.
Provide accurate information: If you choose to engage, provide links to credible sources that debunk misinformation.
Focus on the issue, not the person: Avoid personal attacks.
Don't feed the trolls: Don't engage with people who are clearly just trying to provoke a reaction.
Block and mute: Protect your own mental health by blocking or muting users who are harassing you.
Support others: Amplify the voices of people who are challenging hate speech and misinformation.
E. Self-Care:
Engaging in this work can be emotionally draining. It's essential to prioritize self-care.
Set boundaries: It's okay to disengage from conversations or situations that are draining your energy.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and centered in the face of difficult emotions.
Connect with others: Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist.
Engage in activities that nourish you: Make time for things that bring you joy and help you recharge.
Remember: Remind yourself that you're doing important work, and that you don't have to do it alone.