What Would You Do?

People are getting beat up all the time. This, dear world, is a fact. Whether it's physically, emotionally, or mentally it's always happening. Many times it's done behind the closed doors of homes, behind buildings, and in empty bathrooms and hallways. Admittedly, there is little we can do about these things "done in the dark". But. What if you witnessed this abuse, in broad daylight, in a public place...in a resteraunt, no less? What would you do?

Chrissy Lee Polis is the name of the transgender woman who was recently beaten ruthlessly in a McDonalds while the staff and other customers looked on. One worker even filmed the whole thing using his phone. Here is the link to the video: http://www.mediaite.com/online/transgendered-woman-attacked-at-mcdonalds-speaks-out-in-first-interview/

Apparently, the fight started when one of the attackers accused Polis of flirting with, or trying to talk to her man. One of the girls spit on her and the fight began...and continued, until finally a fed up customer intervened. Unfortunately, by this time, Polis had gone into a seizure. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. They beat her into a seizure.

Let me go on record by stating clearly that I in no way condone Polis's lifestyle. But, let me also say that what was done to her was wrong on many, many levels. Perhaps the most sickening part of this entire thing is the fact that no one got involved, except an older lady. The entire McDonalds crew was standing around watching. Doing nothing. How unspeakably sad. I am happy to say that the man who video taped the attack, was promptly fired from McDonalds for recording and putting the tape up on the Internet. 

I know that 9 times out of 10, if asked, "Would you intervene?", we would say yes, of course I would...but would you? Two loud, very intimidating, black women, are screaming, shouting, fists are flying, weave is being pulled out, earrings ripped off....mmhmm...think again. Would you really get in the middle of that? 


I admit it...I might definitely pause before leaping into action. I'd probably look around and see if anyone else was going to help. But I pray that I would have the presence of mind and the strength of will to do it.

You know, it doesn't even have to be the big things, like this fight. It could be small things that happen within the course of your work and school day. As a teacher of small children, I know that sometimes it was easy to pretend not to hear when children would make rude and cutting remarks to others, simply dismissing it as "playground talk". How hard would it be to stick up for the underdog, huh? WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.  ~Confucius