After election night, we have seen mixed reactions from the American people. Living in liberal California, I have heard about countless protests of the results so far, but this doesn't mean that hate crimes don't happen. Less than 24 hours after the election, I read about over 30 different hate crimes that had already occurred. Even at my university, which is a home for diversity -- and, well, liberalism -- we have experienced already two major hate crimes. According to an email sent from San Jose State University president Mary Papazian, "reports of students facing subtle taunting and overt verbal attacks."
Most of us know that this is not acceptable, but reports of these crimes are popping up all around the country. In too many cases of crimes and bullying, no one takes action to stop what's going on. I have yet to be a bystander, but I know that if I am at any point, I will do my best to diffuse the situation.
The first thing to do is to talk to the person. If someone is being harassed on the bus or the train, go sit next to them. In this case, they are not able to get off the bus or train, so they cannot avoid this person as well. Sit next to them, introduce yourself and start a conversation with them. Talk about your interests and hobbies, or anything at all.
Ignore the assailant. Make sure you don't acknowledge his or her presence. None of us like to be ignored, and I'm sure the assailant doesn't either, which means he or she will get frustrated and give up. If you don't acknowledge him or her, he or she will look and feel silly still talking to you when it's been five minutes. They'll most likely leave.
Stay with the victim. Make sure you don't leave him or her alone wherever you are. If you are on a bus, sit with him or her until you get off. If you get off first, politely ask someone to keep an eye out for that person, so that he or she will have someone to do the same thing as you in case something else happens. If you are somewhere in public, stay with him or her until he or she needs to go.
Offer to walk the person safely to his or her destination. Keep an eye out for more attackers (you can never be too careful, especially after everything that has happened this week). If the person asks to be alone, honor his or her wishes.
Our president-elect has incited hate and violence during his campaign run. Now that he has been elected, some people have chosen to act on this hate. Those of us who want to spread love need to look out for one another. If you are privileged enough not to experience any sort of attacks like this, use your privilege the right way. Stand up for somebody who is being treated badly.
