"Man is by nature a social animal" -Aristotle
The human race is exceptional for numerous reasons and in countless ways, one of which being our capacity for precise communication. We can speak to each other in English, Latin, or Spanish. We can express feelings and notions through body language or eye contact. We can talk through hand motions, through writing, and in various codes. Yet somehow, despite all of this potential, more often than not we filter our words so aggressively that we don't say anything that matters.
A few weeks ago I was enjoying my very first hockey game, marveling at the speed and grace of the skaters, cheering when the puck slipped past the heavily padded goalie against all odds, and wincing every time a player slammed an opponent into the all-too-fragile looking wall. What made me cringe the most, however, occurred off the ice. At the start of the third quarter I noticed a precious little girl flitting across the bleachers in front of where I was seated, only to be yanked down aggressively by who I assumed was her father. The man proceeded to grab and shake the little girl violently, telling her to stop being an embarrassment and reminding her of harsh punishments that would await her later should she disobey. Allow me to mention that I am absolutely unopposed to justifiable discipline, but the way in which this man was threatening, cursing at, and viciously handling his daughter went beyond decent discipline.
I stared at the sad scene in front of me, and looked around at the crowd around me expecting to see others doing the same, but instead all eyes were locked straight ahead at the game. I wondered briefly how they didn't notice, and immediately realized that the focus with which they averted their eyes was completely aware and intentional. I turned back to the man to find him staring at me challengingly, and I began to look away thinking "it's not my place."
"It's not my place." What a disheartening and toxic train of thought, one that can only lead to the dutiful enabling of injustices on the grounds of misplaced respect and misunderstood responsibility. The heroes we idolize from stories, video games, and movies aren't regarded as such because they keep their mouths shut or look the other way. Rather, they speak up and say what is on their minds and in their hearts, and though it isn't always easy it is all the more necessary. I decided then to lift my chin, shake my head, and lock my eyes with the man until he released the girl and sat down ashamed. I spoke up in the method I found appropriate for the situation, and I continue to do so whenever my conscious dictates. To do the right thing is to make every place your place when you have something to contribute.
"Men are by nature social animals." This is a huge element of what makes us so special, and it should not be taken for granted. YOU have something to say that only you can express, and the world will not become a better place due to noble, passionate, or brave thoughts, it is the actions that follow that will resonate with triumph. I understand that certain things won't involve you, but if you ever catch yourself thinking "should I say something," you probably should. Be vocal, be present, and never be afraid to speak up because no matter how big or small an issue is, if you have an opinion on it, it's worth being heard. Great change occurs not in one fell swoop, but by the consistently graceful handling of every individual situation presented to you. Communication is a great gift, so give your words power by putting them into motion.
