If we set aside the personalities involved in the Travyon Martin and George Zimmerman tragedy and ask ourselves, what went wrong, the first thing we should all realize is that two wrongs don't make a right. Nor do ten wrongs. The conflict between the two men illustrate's a basic conflict between the rights of the individual and the rights of society and the American system of human rights. See my answer to "What is the worst threat to our liberty?"
If we live in an apartment or condominium complex subject to theft, ask the management to install better protections including outdoor lighting and locks. There are alternatives that are minimal cost.
If we ask ourselves, "How do you behave when an angry person accosts you?" the answer should involve some basics. The first basics are about safety.
If we have a chance to run away from someone threatening us, we should do so. If they have a gun, keep our distance.
If we have no way of avoiding the person, answer with politeness. If we say, "Yes, sir, I have a right to be here, can we call the police? I'll wait." a lot of tension disappears.
Courtesy is always the first protection people have in society. Courtesy shows we are in control of our own emotions and actions.
Why do we have to answer someone yelling or angry?
The answer is we don't. But there are many good reasons why we should. The first is to find out why? People don't address us without a reason. It may feel like an invasion of our privacy, but sometimes their needs for help or safety overrule our needs.
The reason that Jesus said to turn the other cheek, is that is how we all survive in an increasingly populated world.
What are the basics of courtesy?
Why show courtesy? So people like us and help us and we are all safe.
If we live in an apartment or condominium complex subject to theft, ask the management to install better protections including outdoor lighting and locks. There are alternatives that are minimal cost.
If we ask ourselves, "How do you behave when an angry person accosts you?" the answer should involve some basics. The first basics are about safety.
- Don't walk in unlit areas after dark. Move to lit areas if possible.
- Do not approach someone acting oddly or with anger.
- If we feel the person accosting us is nuts, we should place a 911 call.
- Also, if we are close to parents, we should let them know we feel in danger so that maybe they can come and rescue us.
If we have a chance to run away from someone threatening us, we should do so. If they have a gun, keep our distance.
If we have no way of avoiding the person, answer with politeness. If we say, "Yes, sir, I have a right to be here, can we call the police? I'll wait." a lot of tension disappears.
Courtesy is always the first protection people have in society. Courtesy shows we are in control of our own emotions and actions.
Why do we have to answer someone yelling or angry?
The answer is we don't. But there are many good reasons why we should. The first is to find out why? People don't address us without a reason. It may feel like an invasion of our privacy, but sometimes their needs for help or safety overrule our needs.
The reason that Jesus said to turn the other cheek, is that is how we all survive in an increasingly populated world.
What are the basics of courtesy?
- Answer questions when asked.
- Say please with a request.
- Say thank you when provided a service or gift.
- Say hello when encountering a stranger.
- Meet the eyes of people who say hello or address us, offer an open hand.
- Ask and answer questions honestly without suspicion.
Why show courtesy? So people like us and help us and we are all safe.
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