Customer Abuses Employee with Down Syndrome | What Would You Do? | WWYD

Summary

In this segment of 'What Would You Do?', a grocery store employee with Down syndrome, Peter, faces ridicule from a rude customer for working slowly. As the situation unfolds, bystanders speak up, showing support and compassion towards Peter. The video highlights the importance of standing up against discrimination, with some customers offering help and others challenging the bully. Ultimately, the scenario showcases the power of empathy and inclusivity, with Peter's dedication to his job being celebrated by those who understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story highlights the mistreatment of a grocery store employee with Down syndrome by an impatient customer.
• 😀 The employee, named Peter, is doing his best to bag groceries, despite being mocked by a rude customer for being slow.
• 😀 A compassionate customer intervenes, defending Peter and standing up against the bullying behavior.
• 😀 Another customer expresses their disapproval of the offensive language used by the rude customer and offers support to Peter.
• 😀 The script emphasizes that people with Down syndrome can contribute productively to society when given the opportunity.
• 😀 A substitute teacher offers a lesson in compassion, reminding others that using derogatory terms like 'retarded' is no longer acceptable.
• 😀 Another customer steps in, challenging the rude customer's behavior and defending Peter's right to work and be treated with respect.
• 😀 The script includes a hidden camera element where people react to witnessing the mistreatment of Peter in real-time.
• 😀 Multiple customers voice their opinions, with most of them supporting Peter and condemning the rude customer's actions.
• 😀 The story concludes with an impactful message about how important it is to stand up for those who are being discriminated against or mistreated.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme of the script is about handling discrimination, particularly against people with Down syndrome, and how different individuals react when witnessing such behavior. The script emphasizes empathy, understanding, and standing up against mistreatment.

What role does Peter, the employee with Down syndrome, play in the script?

Peter, the employee with Down syndrome, is the central figure in the script. He is working as a bagger at a grocery store, where he faces ridicule from a customer who criticizes his speed. The script showcases Peter's efforts to do his job while others either defend him or make derogatory remarks.

How do the customers react to the bullying directed at Peter?

The customers react in various ways. Some, like the woman who defends Peter, speak out against the bullying, offering support and emphasizing that Peter deserves respect. Others, like Michelle, reinforce the bullying, showing intolerance for Peter's slower pace, while a few take direct action by helping Peter with his task.

What lesson does the substitute teacher impart in the script?

The substitute teacher teaches a lesson in compassion, stating that everyone should be sensitive to others' needs, especially those with challenges. She gently corrects the customer's inappropriate use of the word 'retarded' and advocates for understanding and kindness.

What is the significance of the phrase 'What would you do?' in the script?

The phrase 'What would you do?' serves as the central concept for the hidden camera social experiment. It encourages viewers to think about their own reactions to instances of injustice or discrimination and highlights how individuals choose to either intervene or stay silent in such situations.

How does the script show the importance of standing up against bullying?

The script shows the importance of standing up against bullying through the actions of several customers who intervene when they witness Peter being mocked. They speak out, defend him, and even help him with his work, demonstrating the positive impact of advocating for those being mistreated.

What happens when the rude customer, Michelle, interacts with Peter?

When Michelle interacts with Peter, she makes derogatory remarks about his abilities, calling him 'retarded' and criticizing his pace. She even asks him to 'work faster.' However, after a substitute teacher and other customers intervene, Michelle is confronted for her inappropriate behavior.

What does the script suggest about how people with Down syndrome can contribute to society?

The script suggests that people with Down syndrome can lead productive lives and contribute meaningfully to society. Peter himself serves as a role model, showing that individuals with Down syndrome can work, live independently, and engage in meaningful roles if given the opportunity.

What is the response of the woman who defends Peter when confronted by the rude customer?

The woman who defends Peter responds by firmly stating that it is unacceptable to treat someone like that. She explains that bullying people with disabilities is wrong, and she shows empathy for Peter by supporting him in front of the rude customer.

How does the script highlight the different reactions people have to witnessing bullying?

The script highlights the varying reactions by showcasing different customers' responses to bullying. Some people intervene and defend Peter, while others remain passive or join in the ridicule. These contrasting reactions underline the importance of making active choices to stand against injustice.