Missionaries of the Sacred

Most of us have probably heard a joke whose punch line relies on making fun of a certain group of people. Or perhaps we’ve received one of those tasteless mass emails or maybe one or more of our friends or family members uses derogatory terms when describing people. We cannot change their attitudes, so what can we do? We can speak up! Here are a few examples.

If someone tells an offensive joke, don’t laugh. Your silence may prompt them to wonder why you didn’t find it funny.

If your child says something offensive, perhaps repeating something heard at school, ask him or her how they think the other person would feel.

Find tips and read others’ stories in “Speak Up: Responding to Everyday Bigotry”

Notes:

• Please always use caution appropriate to the circumstances, especially if you’re dealing with strangers.
• “Speak Up: Responding to  Everyday Bigotry” is a publication of the Southern Poverty Law Center and may contain views that are not endorsed by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.