By What About Now
I’ve always been someone who backs the underdog. I can’t just walk away or turn a blind eye when something feels unjust. I’ve never understood how people can just pass someone in need and do nothing.
In a way, What About Now? is an extension of that part of me — the part that fights for the ones who can’t speak yet, or who are simply too exhausted to keep fighting. It’s something that’s always been in me. And truthfully, it’s not always a good thing. I’ve ended up in arguments that weren’t mine. I’ve called people out for behaviour that others would have ignored.
🍦 What Happened Today
Today, Archie and I went out for ice cream. A group of teenagers came into the shop and sat across from a mum and her two children. The family were Muslim — not that it matters. One of the children had a visible disability.
And then it happened: one of the teenagers threw chewing gum at the mother. Just threw it in her face. No warning. No reason. And when she called them out, they responded with racial slurs and intimidation — in front of her children.
She tried to hold it together. To be brave. But you could see the fear in her face. The kind of fear no parent should have to carry for simply stepping outside with their children.
So I told Archie to stay where he was, and I went over.
💬 “Are you okay?”
I asked the woman if she was okay. Then I turned to the group and put them in their place. I’ve taught some of them before — they still see me as someone with authority. It was enough. They left.
Before we left the shop, I checked in with her again. I offered to walk them to where they needed to go. I couldn’t change what happened, but I could at least stand beside her in it.
🤝 Why I Do It — Even When It’s Hard
It might not always be the safest idea to get involved. But I can’t ignore people being treated as “less than” because of ignorance. Because of hate. Because of someone else’s lack of empathy.
And maybe I’ve never had to be in her position. Maybe I’ve been lucky. But I’d like to think if I ever was there — someone would show up for me too.
As for Archie? He’s used to it. Used to me stepping in. Used to me sticking my nose in. And honestly, I’m proud of that. Because he’s growing up learning that kindness sometimes means standing up — even when it’s uncomfortable.
I’d rather get it wrong trying to do right, than stand by doing nothing.
That’s the world I want him to grow up in. And that’s the kind of person I still hope to be.
— What About Now
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