In a previous blog post I wrote about the virtues and benefits of minding my own business (MMOB’ing).
Of course I stand by everything I said in that post. After all, MMOB’ing is a wise practice that has kept me out of more than one spot of bother.
You see, when I MMOB, I place the focus where it should be – on my words, my actions, my choices and my issues. In that way, I am able to change my world for the better without intruding into anyone else’s space.
However, it occurs to me that there are times when focusing on me and me alone is not the most beneficial option. And perhaps that comes down to exactly what outside of myself is my business.
My Other Business
“He who averts his eyes from … infamies, is a coward, a deserter from justice…” Jean-Jacques Rousseau
What I believe Rousseau speaks of is the communitarian view of what is our business. We are after all community members at various levels – local, national and international. And there are times when there are injustices and abuses that are perpetrated by the powerful against the powerless, by the corrupt against the innocent. In these situations, those affected need the support of others – both individuals and the larger community. They need our support to find safety and to rectify the wrongs being committed against them.
Therefore, as a community member I hold that I have an obligation to not turn away when abuse and injustice is happening to others. I have an obligation to intervene or at least take some action, direct or indirect, to halt, assist and/or correct these abuses and injustices.
In other words, when I avert my eyes from the pain and suffering of others, I fail in my duty as community member to act in support of those that suffer. As well, I fail in my duty to contribute to the collective good.
And, just as importantly, I fail myself by not living according to my own values.
Situations Where My Involvement is Needed
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Nate Kanyinga
Here are some circumstances where I feel compelled to act directly or indirectly:
- Situations of domestic or gendered violence.
- Abuse or neglect of children.
- Abuse or neglect of non-human animals.
- Public violence – verbal or physical abuse.
- Situations where someone’s rights – human and other — are violated.
- Where the basic needs of the most vulnerable in our community are not being met.
Please note. I would not personally step into any situation where I would not feel safe to do so. Instead, I would alert the proper authorities and/or ensure that support is provided the those who are being threatened, harmed or violated. In addition, joining in solidarity with others to correct abuses of power and advocate for social justice can be a powerful means of intervention.
The Litmus Test
Daniel Kaplan provided what is for me a litmus test for whether or not I would stick my nose into another’s affairs. He said, “It is okay to mind someone else’s business when doing otherwise is likely to result in an effect with which you cannot live.”
Thus, I cannot stand silent when I see injustice, abuse or violence being enacted or threatened against those who cannot defend themselves.
I could not live with myself if I did.
