It doesn’t have to be confrontational at that level.
As a former hot head, when I flipped out on a store clerk for a really stupid reason, the old guy behind me said, “You really taking your anger out on someone paid $6 an hour?” (No confrontation, just calling out the situation)
It was enough. But he could have also said something like, “Go write a email to corporate” or “call up the manager line” because I was out of line for flipping out.
I huffed out of there but I’m kind of glad I did. Because I would have done something stupid. And that old man is what I try to be when I see it.
At least here in Indiana, that would not at all be unprecedented as a reason someone decided to attack someone else physically.
I used to do video journalism for one of the local TV stations. People would threaten me for the camera being in their presence. Not pointed at them, just them being around it. “You point that thing at me and you’re dead.” When they were walking by and my back was too them.
I just don’t have the courage to speak up to people in this environment. I wish I did, but I don’t. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have that sort of bravery.
That sucks and yeah, a bunch of America is pretty hot headed. Sorry you had to experience that shit. Camera people are just trying to do their jobs.
I think another direction is also just being support. A kind “That dude was a asshole” empathy is also pretty helpful in the moment, when the victim is still processing and stressing.
Now that I have done. Said that to the person afterward.
I don’t know if this matters to them or not, but I always try to look people at the register in the eye at least once during the transaction (usually at the end). Just to show we’re on the same level. Maybe they don’t notice, but I feel like it’s a minor gesture I can make in case they do.
Even if they don’t consciously notice your intention, i’m sure it comes off as a blissfully low-streas interaction. Good on ya, wish there were more folks like you!
It doesn’t have to be confrontational at that level.
As a former hot head, when I flipped out on a store clerk for a really stupid reason, the old guy behind me said, “You really taking your anger out on someone paid $6 an hour?” (No confrontation, just calling out the situation)
It was enough. But he could have also said something like, “Go write a email to corporate” or “call up the manager line” because I was out of line for flipping out.
I huffed out of there but I’m kind of glad I did. Because I would have done something stupid. And that old man is what I try to be when I see it.
At least here in Indiana, that would not at all be unprecedented as a reason someone decided to attack someone else physically.
I used to do video journalism for one of the local TV stations. People would threaten me for the camera being in their presence. Not pointed at them, just them being around it. “You point that thing at me and you’re dead.” When they were walking by and my back was too them.
I just don’t have the courage to speak up to people in this environment. I wish I did, but I don’t. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have that sort of bravery.
That sucks and yeah, a bunch of America is pretty hot headed. Sorry you had to experience that shit. Camera people are just trying to do their jobs.
I think another direction is also just being support. A kind “That dude was a asshole” empathy is also pretty helpful in the moment, when the victim is still processing and stressing.
Now that I have done. Said that to the person afterward.
I don’t know if this matters to them or not, but I always try to look people at the register in the eye at least once during the transaction (usually at the end). Just to show we’re on the same level. Maybe they don’t notice, but I feel like it’s a minor gesture I can make in case they do.
Even if they don’t consciously notice your intention, i’m sure it comes off as a blissfully low-streas interaction. Good on ya, wish there were more folks like you!