The Ugliness Inside
The Ugliness Inside
Today a person lost their life.
At approximately 3:30 PM ET today, just south of Philadelphia, Amtrak Train #2121 struck and killed man.
I was in the second car, heard the train whistle blow hard and then felt the brakes harder. Our train stopped, cold…then silent.
We assumed the worst, but little did we know more was coming.
We don’t know yet who died today, but a piece in many of us died too.
About an hour into the stop, I made my way to the cafe car for water and a snack; what happened next was stunning.
Some people waiting in line to order their vodka, beer and wine, were frivolously commenting on the fate of our unknown victim; the carelessness of these dullards with their assumed sharp with was breathtaking.
And then it got worse.
Hours later after we departed the train in Washington; several passengers, no vultures, were clicking away on their cell phones at the blood stained nose of the Acela; presumably hoping as they smirked that their latest post would elicit likes, retweets and shares. Self adulation;
Fxxx Them.
As the rest of us muttered under our breath at their crudeness, it struck me that I can no longer be complicit with my silence. No more, not my problem. My interventions may have consequences. A tacit dismissal enables more.
You see these carrions; they were all well groomed, suited and briefcased; they worked somewhere. Their colleagues would be ashamed. All of us were ashamed.
No matter what privilege; nothing can justify what I saw tonight from these Beautiful People.
The Ugliness has to stop. And tomorrow I start.
Health, research, leadership, communication
8 年Every moment we get to choose our attitude. Technology, a busy day, the behavior of others…none of it is reason to forget our humanity. It is important to remind ourselves of the qualities that are important. Thanks Marc.
Thank for feeling and writing, Marc. I feel the same way about ForcedFromHome.com, by Doctors Without Borders on the Mall by Washington Monument for only two more days about the 65 million refugees. Thank you for the courage to feel and the courage to write.
Senior Executive Legal Assistant, Administrative Assistant
8 年Hi, Marc. Thank you for sharing your experience, and profound thoughts. As busy senior executives, and clerical and domestic workers travel to and from work/important meetings, we are fortunate to successfully reach our destinations. Each day is a gift, and every minute, should be coveted. Best wishes.
Strategic Sourcing Expert
8 年Marc, you point out a growing cancer within our society -- eating away at our humanity and our care for each other. Thank you for taking a stand.