Reply #87: A word (or two) about the "eavesdropping" question [View All]

even though HamdenRice really covered it here as well...

"basic point is: I can insult you by pretending to have a private conversation, and you can't insult me back. It may have seemed like a private conversation, but it wasn't."


See, in polite society you shouldn't eavesdrop and everyone is conditioned to this lesson from an early age. The thing is, the person doing the loud talking is relying on just that. They are counting on you being so afraid of being accused of being rude that they get away with a far worse transgression. They rely on how hard it is to break that conditioning that often prevents people from confronting such bullies. People are then too embarrassed to stand up for themselves and others. It's intentional harassment and intimidation.

Loud talking is an effective weapon...because it not only allows the loud talker to get way with their hate, it also silences people. People are too afraid to speak up...too afraid to confront...and all because it's "impolite" and that fear makes it easier to ignore such people...but ignoring such people does nothing but allow them to get away with their behavior.


Think about the victim of loud talking...when the entire room hears and everyone pretends not to...how do you think the intended target feels? Alone. In a room of people who either agree with the loud talker or are too afraid to help the victim.

Fact is, sometimes - it IS your business. Because the loud talker is making it so. Speak up and quash the hate.