BEING AN ACTIVE BYSTANDER:

There are a number of reasons why a "bystander" will remain silent while someone is in trouble. A bystander is somebody who is standing by watching something bad happening. For example, a bystander might be someone watching a group of people or a person sexually taking advantage of an intoxicated person.

Why do bystanders stay quiet? There are a number of reasons, but some of the most influential are:

~afraid that they will lose friends ~afraid of retaliation ~afraid of being called a "tattletale" or a "snitch" ~afraid that they will be considered "uncool"

~they think somebody else will act

If you are interested in becoming an active bystander, remember the three "Rs of bystander action"

Recognize if it is a bad situation- there is so much bad stuff all around, that it is easy to "not see" what is going on. Once you recognize a negative situation, you cannot pretend that you did not see it.

Determine if it is safe to Refuse the behavior. Are you in a situation where you can safely tell the offender that his or her behavior is out of line? Are you alone? Are there any people with authority around?

If it is not safe, Report it to someone anonymously. Go somewhere private and call the police or some other person with authority. It is very important to ACT and Stand- Up.

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Work progresses on Nelson Heritage Park	1
Land transfer tax-- let the voters decide	1