Should we speak up more

[Veganvenitia]

A few things today highlight how often we seethe quietly rather than speak up.

I went for a walk in our local cemetery this morning which I never usually do but I needed some peace. I was harassed by lots of off-lead dogs, despite a big sign at the entrance saying dogs must be kept on a lead.

Trans women who say that no one ever complains when they use the ladies loo whereas surveys show the majority of women don’t want them there.

The person with a thread that they were overlooked for promotion. I was too, and I found out later that the. male candidate being told he he’d be given the job before we were even interviewed. The male candidate was a good friend, he felt guilty but our manager was notoriously misogynistic so it was hardly surprising. Rather than complaining I just got a new job the next week.

Should we speak out more? Does turning a blind eye and not say anything because it’s the easiest thing to do make it more likely that these things will happen more in the future?

I think we should. Unfortunately, women are socialised with the whole 'be kind' from childhood thing much more than men.

The way things are currently though you have to agree with everyone and be kind all the time or else you are a ‘Karen’ (hate that term) or transphobic (weird term) or a busy body or a man hater. Look at JK Rowling she spoke out and has nothing but shit for years, luckily for her she has the resources to not give a fuck but women have lost their jobs over speaking out about these things.

I agree we should all speak out more but am I brave enough? Not really, maybe on the dogs thing but probably not the others.

I think there are ways of raising issues without it ending up confrontational. Or least reducing the likelihood.

Some things are worth addressing, others less so. Where you draw that line is a personal decision.

I'm of an age where I'm less afraid of speaking up when I feel I should but I'm certainly not turning a blind eye. I choose my battles, to hopefully protect whatever safety I have.