WIDLIMS episode #10 – Being active bystanders when witnessing injustice
In today's Solo Sunday Short, host Linda goes over some top tips she learned at an Active Bystander training session, which may prove useful in any situation where you witness discrimination. We cover...
- the 4 D’s framework
- and when and how to use it
Mentioned in the episode
- Active Bystander training
- iHollaBack website with resources
- 4D framework description https://www.ihollaback.org/resources/
- further resources https://www.ihollaback.org/bystander-resources/
- Useful do’s and don’ts leaflet
I think we have come across some uncomfortable truths as part of topics discussed so far in various episodes of WIDLIMS, such as pain of womxn and BIPOC people being dismissed or normalized and racial discrimination and microagressions. We all know these things exist, and we have all witnessed them – we will continue to be exposed to such situations in the future.
But being aware that injustices and discrimination are occurring is not enough. Standing by and watching them occurring is not enough in the long run, as it will only perpetuate or worsen the situation.
It can be difficult, though, if we have never been taught how to deal with such situations. Ideally, that would form part of medical education, or inductions to any new workplaces. It would be hugely beneficial even at school! I am sure most of us were told that bullying is bad, and maybe even to report it to a teacher or other adult; what we did not realise, is that that is in fact encouraging active bystander behaviour.
Therefore, I am sharing some tips from active bystander theories and resources, that I hope will help you feel less uncertain when faced with injustice. Passively watching and standing by can facilitate aggression and harassment, whereas actively intervening in any way is at least attempting to break the cycle.
In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to think clear. Naturally, human beings may go into some sort of self-preservation mode, minding their own business and ignoring what is going on, due to fear or simply not knowing what to do. That is why it can be useful to have some core principles to learn, a framework to help us make decisions and not silently watch injustice be carried out. Medical students learn about the A-to-E assessment that can be used to examine any patient in any scenario. Why do we not also learn about the active bystander framework, to safeguard our patients, colleagues and friends?
I was lucky enough to attend a virtual active bystander course back in July, which was lead by someone from http://www.activebystander.co.uk/. I am not allowed to share the content of the course, but what I can share is the most useful takeaway for me – the 4 D framework. You can read more about it in the resources on the website, and on iHollaBack
I think that delay is super important – it may be truly unsafe for you to get directly involved, but please make sure you do something, anything that you can to help!
Will you be using this framework to guide your decision-making and actions in the future? Let me know!
You can follow me @widlims on Instagram or Twitter.
As always, remember that this show is for educational and entertainment purposes only.
