On the bus home tonight i was minding my own business,trying to ignore the obnoxious teenage friends I had found myself surrounded by. A man with obvious SN got on the bus, around late 50's.
The girl sitting next to me turned around to her friend (sitting directly behind us) and said "oh look it's X, is he a 'tard?". Cue much laughter from teenagers. I twitched but nothing.
Long story short - the man had sat with them because he knew the ringleader. It very rapidly got to the point where they were loudly and openly mocking him, filming him. At which point I turned around and loudly told them what they were doing was disgusting and unacceptable etc. They didn't react well. But I persevered until they stopped.
That isn't the AIBU. I believe I did the right thing.
It was obvious the other passengers on the bus could hear what they were doing, it was also obvious many felt very uncomfortable. Why didn't anyone else say something, even to back me up? Instead they first all sat there listening and/or watching this man be bullied and then listened and/or watched me say something about it.
Am I unreasonable to think someone else could have said something too? And to be confused as to why they did not?
AIBU?
To think the other bus passengers should have done something?
Alisvolatpropiis · 21/11/2013 22:03
YANBU to expect other passengers to also have spoken up, but unfortunately people don't seem to, neither do most drivers. Different situation but I walk with a stick, I clearly need a seat on a moving bus however often I end up sitting on the floor (have asked people for a seat and they pretend not to listen). Even when I am quite obviously sat on the floor people do not move, the other day a driver got up and announced he would not leave until I had a proper seat. It restored my faith in humanity. 
I have found though that people just do not get involved in the injustice around them usually. You absolutely did the right thing, I would have done the same, and should expect fellow passengers to speak up. I'm so glad you spoke out, well done!
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.