After watching the second round of 20/20 "What Would You Do" Race experiments - please address the following questions. 1) What would be your reaction if you witnessed an act like this while shopping? 2) What would you do if you were the one being persecuted? Thoughts...
22 December 2010
What Would You Do Part II...
After watching the second round of 20/20 "What Would You Do" Race experiments - please address the following questions. 1) What would be your reaction if you witnessed an act like this while shopping? 2) What would you do if you were the one being persecuted? Thoughts...
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I think I will try to stop the person who is discriminating against someone. I will explain to him that he must not discriminate against someone because the person is not white. If you are not white, it does not mean that you can’t go into a store like a normal person. It’s not fair to a person who came to the store just to shop to be treated like a criminal and searched for weapons and stolen items. If it was me who was being discriminated, I would report the person and I will never shop in that store again.
Being someone with personal experience to discrimination and being very familiar with it, this was still shocking to see. When this happened to my family members and I, I reacted with frustration and annoyance, defending my famly and myself with all my might. Because of that experience, had I seen this in a store setting, I would have definitely stepped in and educated the discriminating individual. Had it been myself however, I agree with Timith J.'s idea to report that person. However, if it was my favorite store, I would wait until that person was properly reprimanded, and probably go back or shop online.
1) If i were to end up witnessing something like this going on at a store, i would try to stop it, and i previously have witnessed such an act going on, although not as blatant as depicted in the skit i did try my best to intervene, and i wouldn't hesitate to do it again. About 3 boys, one Polish, one Latino and one Black entered a local CVS, the lady at the front asked the two minorities to take off their winter coats and they were shocked. I went up to the lady and gave her a piece of my mind and embarrassed her in front of the whole entire store and she apologized and allowed them to continue shopping.
2)If i were to be a victim, i would just leave, it has happened to me before, i entered a mall and i walked by supposedly the manager of the mall and about 4 security guards, and they stopped me and showed me the exit for apparently, walking to slow... I tried to make a joke out of it and i said "Hey boss I'm just browsing the ladies" two of the mall security laughed and apologized to me as they were escorting me out and told me they were just doing their job since their boss was right there. I understood and didn't resist but i was mad i was only in the mall for about 2 minutes before getting kicked out. However this was around the time that, this particular mall had had some gang related violence and anybody who fit "the description" of a gangster, or was acting out of place would be kicked out. My gang related action was walking to slow. I still find it funny to this day but its frustrating, i did actually come to the mall to shop, not to hang out and cause trouble.
Considering this experiment showed such open and blatant forms of discrimination, I would definitely have to say something. I would defend the person being accused, and after that I would leave the store. If it were me being discriminated against, I would leave the store and then report that person.
If I witnessed these terrible acts of discrimination, I would be extremly angry. I'm very defensive towards any negative behavior towards anyone, whether their black, white, young, old etc. I would definitly be the person to speak up and defend the victim/victims. Agreeing with Timith and John, I would report the person, and I would do all I could to comfirt the person victimized.
my reaction to this would at first be nothing because i would want to make sure that this was occur only on the basis of racism and the person didnt actually do something in the store then i would say something to both the manager and the store security guard to stop their racist behavior. if i were the one being persecuted i would leave the styore and if they physically tried to stop id tell them that if they put their hands on me again that i would call the police
If I was in a store and witnessed the staff treating their customers in a way such as they did on the episode, I would definatly say something. I couldnt believe the number of people that didnt say anything, and also proceeded to shop in the store. As well as saying something, I would also probably ask for a manager, or store owner and file a complaint. If I was the one being persecuted then I would definatly stand up for myself, but again I would also ask for a manager or store owner, and then file a complaint. If the manager or store owner took care of the situation took care of the problem the staff member was causing, then I would continue to shop their, because one person shouldnt be the reason for how I view the whole store. But, if the store manager or owner added to the problem and said the staff member was doing nothing wrong, I would walk out and never shop there ever again.
If I was in the store while someone was being discriminated against I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I left the store with out doing anything to help that person. I think that I would definitely say something to the person who was doing the discriminating or at least help the person that was being discriminated against. I think that it would be wrong to not help out another human being regardless of what color their skin was. Although this is easier said then done when put in this situation I still believe that I would have done something. If I was the person being discriminated against I think I would have a harder time knowing what to say to stand up for myself. I think that I would report the person who was rude to me and I would never shop in the store again.
If I was at the store when the store manager what discriminating against the customer, I would have definitely said something. This country has fought way too hard to try and treat each other as equals. To have someone discriminate against one specific type of person is demeaning to everyone in the store. I think if I was in the store during that time I would have went up to the manager and questioned her actions and then tried my best to comfort the victim. If I was the one being persecuted I would have stayed calm, defended my self and walked out of the store with confidence because I would have known I had done nothing wrong. Or I would have continued to show and of ignored the store manager. I would have had as much right as anyone else to be in the store.
If i was treated like some of the customers that were shopping in the 20/20 special, i would be so upset. I would actually probrably just break down and cry. The sales woman was just plain mean and she didn't even think twice. I don't think that this should really happen to people like thats completly unfair. It made it even worse that other customers shopping didn't even step in and help the poor people being victimized by the sales clerk. If i saw that happeneing in a store i would speak up, and im sure of it because im a very opnionated person and i don't like to see others geting picked on. It is just really not right.
If I was shopping and I saw an act like that I would be angry. We live in way too modern of a world for that to be happening. I would definitely leave the store because if other races can’t comfortably shop there then neither would I. I also would be sure to say something to the person doing the discriminating, as severe as in the video I would definitely tell them off. Also in the video the woman was walked out by someone standing up for her. I would do this to comfort the person and so they didn’t have to walk out alone. I have been in a situation similar but not as bad as this before along with some of my friends at the mall. They were wrong and didn’t even apologize and so I embarrassed the two people and made a scene. There is no doubt that if I was in the woman’s position I would do the same.
I would be so upset if something like this happened right in front of me. The experiments were so extreme but I know that it happens everyday and I'm embarassed by that. I would definitly be one of the few people to step in and try and stop what was going on. I would defend myself if I was the one being blamed for shoplifting. I would prove to them that there is nothing in my bag and I would argue back. The security wouldn't have to force me to leave. I would leave gladly.
If I witnessed an act like this while shopping I would be very shocked and angry. I would be very alarmed that someone could treat a person like this and discriminate against them based on their race. I think that I would try to help the person being targeted and talk to a store manager. If I was the one being persecuted I would feel very offended, leave the store immediately and then go on to file a complaint against the store. I would also probably tell other people I know about this store and recommend that they do not shop there.
While watching the show it really angered me how most people could just watch someone being talked to in the manner, but also specifically targeted by race. Understandably there is racism in this country still and people have a right to their opinion, but in a work environment it is completely unacceptable. If I witnessed something like that while I was shopping, I would be completely angered and embarrassed by how the sales women was acting. I would definitely demand to see the manager, and if that was her, demand the owner. If no positive progress was made I would call the police and refuse to leave the store until they arrived, not allowing the employees to attempt to kick the woman out. Honestly if the police, could not do anything to help, there would really be nothing her or I could do and I would walk out with her. But I would wait to see what the authorities said about the situation before I let the employees get the best of the situation. It is disgusting for people to act like that especially at their job. If I was being persecuted, I would ask the sales woman, exactly what the issue is...it say it flat out. In the show the woman would say “this kind of people”, I would ask what KIND of people, and I would probably call the police. Again if they couldn’t do anything then I would leave but at least I’m hearing it from an authorized figure and not some racist sales employee.
If I witnessed a customer being discriminated in a store, I would be mortified and I would deffinetly step in. I think it's horrible that that type of situation does occur in our society. And if I saw it, I would want to put an end to that. Nobody should be treated differently because of the color of their skin. Customers are suppose to be treated nicely no matter what and they shouldn't be accused of stealing unless someone saw them steal. It disgusts me that there were people who didn't get involved and ignored what was going on. Unlike them, I would have questioned the manager's actions and would stick up for the victim. Also, if the manager didn't change her views or apoligize, I would have filed a complaint and I would ask for the owner. In addition, if the owner didn't fire the manager I would have left with the victim and never came back, but if he did I would come back becuase I wouldn't punish the owner for someone else's actions. But, in general, if another race couldn't shop at the same store as I can, I wouldn't feel comfortable shopping there because that's not fair or right. And after it all, I would be proud of myself for doing what was right and helping someone else.
If i was being discriminated like the girl in the video, I would be very upset and definetly would defend myself. I would show them that I didn't shoplift and would make them apoligize. If they still thought I did, I would ask for the owner and make a complaint. I should be able to shop wherever I please, especially if I hadn't done anything wrong. Also, if the manager wasn't fired, I once again wouldn't come back and I wouldn't leave until I tried everything I possibly could. And if I did and nothing changed, I would know I did as much as I can and leave in confidence.
After watching "What Would You Do?" I have a new perspective on how cruel and selfish people in this world still are today. I'm not oblivious, I of course knew that discrimination and racism still existed; but I was certainly surprised to learn that it happened so publicly, especially in something so high-end as a boutique. If I had been in one of those situations, or a situation where discrimination was taking place and hardly anyone was doing anything about it, I would absolutely say something. I would never be able to witness something like that and walk away, knowing someone was unfairly discriminated against simply because of the color of their skin and stereotypes about them. It isn't right.
However, if I was the person being discriminated against, such as in a store like the teenagers in the store were, I'm not sure how much of a big deal I would make in the store. I'm not one to cause a scene, so I probably wouldn't say much. Realizing that this would prolong the discrimination going on in this country and in the world, I would still report them after, as well as tell everyone I know not to go there anymore and why. I wouldn't be nice to the discriminator and I would probably be quite rude to them, but I wouldn't be loud about it. To be honest, I', not one hundred percent sure what I would do in that situation, so unless something such as this came up, I'm unprepared.
If I had witnessed the scenario in “What Would You Do?” (Part II) I would have involved myself and stood up for the woman. I would have been angry that now even after so many years have passed, racial profiling is still common in our country. After witnessing the event I would have stopped shopping at the store involved, to me, associating with or, not getting involved with that kind of harassment is the same as harassing someone. If you do not involve yourself in that situation you are saying “I’m okay with this”. I think I would take action because if it were me in this situation I would hope that someone would stand up for me. If I were the one being persecuted I would have left the store immediately, filed a complaint with the management, and never shopped at that store again (and encouraged others to follow my lead).
After watching that episode, if I was to witness that in public I probably be very offended and try to defend which ever race was being targeted. If I was the one being targeted I would try to defend myself, but if I couldnt I would hope that someone would have a good heart and defend me. A lot of people in this world still do that til this day so if it was me I would hope that it would be different. I will still shop there no matter what, no ones gonna stop me.
I would honestly probably not say anything. It my human nature and the way I was brought to mind my own business. I would feel very bad for the person being discriminated against and angry at the person discriminating. With that being said I probably wouldn't confront them about it and hope that somebody else would. If i was the one being prosecuted I would be overly embarrassed and hurt mentally. I would look and wait for anybody who would help me and speak up for me.
I am usual a timid and quiet person. However, acts like this can set me off on a tangent. I would confront the person discriminating against the shopper(s). It is rude and uncalled for. Everyone should be allowed the same rights to shop. Their outter appeal should not matter. If they have money or have the intent to buy, they should have the right to shop. I agree with Giuseppe that it is hard to confront someone doing things like this but there is a time when you need to suck it up and stand up for what you believe is right. If i were being prosecuted, i would leave immediately. I would then follow up by reporting it to a news station to put that business in shame. Racism while shopping should not be stood for. Everyone is allowed to shop.
This has happened to me and my friend right after we saw the video actually. I was in a convenience store with a friend of mine who was Puerto Rican. She was looking at some crackers in front of the checkout counter and when we went to pay the employee there accused my friend of stealing the snack because there was one missing from the box. She was wearing a big coat similar to the one the victims in the show wore and he accused her of putting the crackers in her pockets. I was shocked to see this happen in front of me and went with my friend to find that the snack was just tossed behind another box of snacks. I had a feeling that the employee called my friend out because of her race and appearance, stereotyping her. When we walked out I couldn't believe what I witnessed and my friend was slightly angry because she said it happened to her and her cousins a lot. It’s different when you say what you're going to do when it hasn’t happened, but when it does, it's just a shock. I knew my friend didn't steal, and without a thought, I helped her find the item to prove it. I'm that kind of person that would stand up, regardless of who’s with me; I won't tolerate discrimination against my friends or a stranger.
If i witnessed an act like this happening while i was shopping i would try to stop it. I would have to say something to the person who is discriminating. If she didn't stop i would probably just leave the store. If an act like this was happening to me i would try to defend myself as much as i could. I would hope that people would stand up to the person doing it and help me. I would stand up for myself and not let someone do that to me.
If I observed a customer being poorly treated while shopping based upon stereotypes or minority groups status, I would like to think that I would confront the workers/security guards but in all honesty I don’t believe I would. Especially if the worker at the store is has clearly been working for a long time, I don’t think I would confront the worker and tell her how to run his/her store despite me knowing what he/she’s doing is wrong. Maybe this is me being a coward, but unless if the employee is making statements that are clearly false and completely ignorant I don’t feel like I’d interfere.
If this situation was turned on me and I was being searched on the stereotypical thought of a shoplifting teenager, I’d without question start a scene in front of the whole store. My goal would be to embarrass the employees as much as possible to make it evident that they are wrong showing the rest of the shoppers the employees discriminating intentions. Then obviously I wouldn’t shop there again.
My reaction to this would be distressed and appalled me. I would react to this by stepping up for the victim and comforting them by explaining that nothing is wrong and they are being falsely accused. If I was being the one persecuted I would walk out and tell the store to call the cops. If I actually did do something wrong then the store must have proof of it, and I would go to jail. But I know I wouldn’t do anything wrong so I would be safe.
If i witnessed an act like this while I was shopping I would like to think that I would do something about it. I'm not sure obviously because I have never been placed in that kind of situation, but the thought of it disgusts me. No one should be discriminated against and the way that the employees publicly humiliated the girl was unnacceptable. If I were in that situation I might not stand up, but I would want to speak to the manager because the employee should be fired. If i was the one being prosecuted I would probably leave the store and refuse to be searched because I wouldnt want to stand there and be ridiculed for something I had not done. After leaving I would call the store, so that they cannot see what color I am or what I'm wearing, and ask to speak to the manager. I would make it my priority to get the employees fired for their racist actions.
My reaction to this situation would be to approach the person who is discriminating against the shopper and tell them that he or she should not discriminate against any person for any reason at all. It’s not correct to do this to anyone at all, especially if they are an innocent shopper in their store. If I was the one being discriminated against I would tell the person, “Fine, lose a sale.” and walk out of the store. If a person wants to treat me like that it’s their loss, especially in business.
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