NGM Thoughts 24: Calling In vs. Call Out
Often we hear that people need to be ‘called out’ for their shitty behaviour, but to what end? So they can be shamed? So that you can feel righteous? Indignant?
We need to work on calling people in.
I love the Seth Godin quip: “People like us, do things like this.”
The other day I caught up with a friend that I hadn’t seen in a while. He recounted a story I’d forgotten from one of the first times he’d met me. The two of us and a mutual friend were walking down the street when this new acquaintance colloquially dropped the n-word. Apparently, all I said was: “You should really try not to say that.” It’s been two years that we’ve known each other and he’s not forgotten that. It was the kindest invitation to be his best self that he’s ever received.
People like us (anti-racists, feminists, good people—allies), do things like this (call people in).
Written by Next Gen Men Co-Founder Jake Stika as part of a personal challenge to share some of our reflections around what it means to be a better man in today’s day and age. Join us every Friday for NGM Thoughts.