Rejecting Viciousness

I used to think that if I didn't add to a negative or vicious conversation that I wasn't doing anything wrong.  However I realized that not rejecting or speaking up when someone says something negative or mean about someone else, is almost as bad as saying it in the first place. 

I have a very different perspecitve after seeing and experiencing what my son has gone through with preconceived notions and ignorance.  I feel if our 'gut' and 'conscious'  is telling us that something is 'wrong' then we need to listen and 'speak up'.  Telling someone you think something is mean or even vicious, when you really feel that it is, is the right thing to do.  It may or may not change their oppinion or actions.  But they will at least realize that not everyone feels the same way they do or thinks they are funny. 

It's the same way with bullying.  We have seen a lot of horrible consequences of that in the news lately.  If we as parents teach our children that it's wrong and that it won't be tolerated by us; maybe our children will 'reject' the harmful actions of their peers.  It has to start somewhere and I feel that it all starts with the power of the word being used negatively.  Even a mean joke that one person thinks is funny can lead to more and more things being said to try and top the last words that were spoken.  Leading to vicious words and bullying.  Causing emotional harm, depression and worse. 

It took me a while, except for where my children our concerned of course.  The 'tiger' in me comes out right away then.  However with co-workers and friends I kept my opinions to myself most of the time.  Recently thought I have felt that I'm not being true to myself and my beliefs.  In fact, I realized that I wasn't being any better a person if I did not stand up for those who aren't there to stand up for themselves. 

Yesterday, I heard a radio show where the DJ's were talking about a local lottery winner.  He was a father of 3 down on his luck and $36 in his checking account when he won.  The man had been on the news this weekend talking about paying bills and taking care of his children.  Even getting his teeth fixed.  Something he couldn't put in front of taking care of his children.  My son says 'How nice.  It sounds like he really need the money and that's a nice thing.'  Then we got to the school and my son got out of the car and went in.

The radio DJ's kept talking and I was greatful my son was no longer in the car.  They proceded to make fun of the appearingly genuine and kind man.  He gave no indication that he was anything else.  Not that anything would be an excuse for what these 2 men continued to do.  They made joke after joke about what the lottery winner said, about his children, his circumstances, even his teeth.  They both thought they were very funny.  And what I felt was even worst, was that they felt they had the right to make fun of him.  They had callers call in to add to their jokes and vicious humor.  I was so appalled and outraged!!  I made a phone call and sent an email.  Not sure if it will change anything.  However I did what my 'gut' and 'conscious' told me too.

This was my son's favorite radio station; but it's not allowed on in my car or home again.  Once I explained it to my son, he totally agreed!  We talked for a long time about what we can do to 'regect' these types of conversations and behaviors.  I am really going to make a 'conscious' choice to speak up and explain how I see it.  I know that's a good choice!