The Power of Kindness

A friend shared a story with me the other day and it made me reflect on a teacher truism that many educators will know from the work of Rita Pierson, particularly this TED Talk Every Kid needs a Champion.

This friend, let's call him Bill, was walking through a parking lot toward a grocery store. Nearby, walking in the same direction was a teenager, probably in high-school. Suddenly, a man in dishevelled and dirty clothing, emerged and began to yell random, unconnected statements toward the pair. It became obvious that he was homeless and suffered from some form of mental illness (likely schizophrenia).

Bill and the teen were taken aback momentarily. In an instant, the man became distracted and then temporarily disoriented. Seconds later, he turned and, as he moved away through parked cars, continued his verbal barrage in the opposite direction toward no one at all.

The teen reached into his pocket to retrieve his cell-phone and Bill was outraged to realize he intended to record this event. Furious, Bill prepared to unleash his offence. The words "obnoxious, entitled, unfeeling & callous" swirled in his head alongside a tirade of expletives.

However, before he discharged his venomous, but justified, derision - his age and wisdom kicked in. In a calm and patient tone he said, "Hey, don't you think that guy has it hard enough without being recorded? Wouldn't it be kinder to just let him be?"

Sheepishly, and silently, the teen put his phone away and quickly walked in a different direction - away from Bill and the homeless man.

I'd like to think that I would respond similarly - but Bill might be a better man than I. Regardless, the story made me reflect on my role as an educator and adult citizen in this world.

• Escalating a situation unnecessarily only gives the offending party the opportunity to feel justified in their behaviour and vindicated by the outrage of their inevitable response.
• It's our responsibility to socialize the youth with whom we interact. This has been emphasized from Plato to Rousseau to Egan
  
• Children rarely learn from people they don't respect or that don't treat them with respect. How would that teen have responded if Bill had started by calling him a jerk?

As I plan my return to the classroom next September, this is a lesson on which I will frequently reflect. It's also a story I hope to share with my students. Perhaps, together, we can help each other become the best we can be.