General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Author faces backlash for reporting black Metro employee for eating on train; book deal halted [View all]IndyOp
(15,541 posts)Not nearly as much as the racism - the Metro employee was apparently working multiple shifts, because Metro employees probably dont earn a living wage - and this woman feels entitled to shame her?
Reminds me of a woman whose story was told - I think in a Michael Moore movie - she had to hold down multiple low-wage jobs when a social program was ended that had helped her and her kindergarten soon make ends meet. While she was gone - working a typical 18-hour day - a family member was staying with the boy who found a gun in the home and accidentally shot and killed himself.
You never, ever know a strangers story. I learned way back to ask myself if there might be an entirely valid reason why someone is behaving in a way that is unexpected to me. I actually had a pastor once who said that in situations like this he thinks up excuses for others - the backstory that explains what he is seeing. Empathizing beats being judgmental any day.
Disclaimers: This is appropriate for situations in which someone is eating on the metro or using two BBQ grills at the park when you are supposed to use only one per group - not for situations in which someone is being put in real danger.