Crabs: Comical looking critters that run sideways, forwards, backwards and in a zig-zag like manner along most beaches. On this particular beach, the crabs seemed to taunt my pointer, Bismarck. They would look at him with those beady black eyes and then bury themselves in the sand. Bismarck was obsessed with these kooky crustaceans. He would dig and dig and dig for them. He never gave up.
But these are not the crabs I’m writing about - I’m talking about those crabs that we interact with, live with, work with, mingle with, - you know - the human kind of crab.
And at times, it seems the HUMAN CRABS are OVERTAKING THE WORLD! I’m not kidding. Between the media attention, my own observations and daily interactions with this world, I am beginning to believe it. And maybe it is my age, but I am plain sick of hearing about campus/school bullying, workplace harassment, cyber bullying, abuse in nursing homes, political bashing, and the list could go on – and yes, it would be simpler to hide in my shell – but I cannot because I’m CRABBY!
So, what can we do to begin this quest of ridding the world of crabs? Well, there are currently tons of resources and ideas out there for preventing and/or dealing with the craziness - websites, workshops, organizations, speakers, videos that address the issues and those are all great but what about a simpler plan?
We all know that we cannot control another's behavior but we certainly can control how we treat and relate with others. To rid the world of crabs, we need to STOP thinking and acting like crabs. If each person would agree to shake off (go ahead - shake it off!) our old crustaceous shells, I believe we would be well on our way of ridding the world of crabs.
Ridding the world of crabs is going to take a lot of work and digging and we cannot give up. Let’s face it. Old shells are difficult to break but not impossible. And if we happen to run into a crab – try treating the crab with respect – maybe that their own hard shell will become more malleable.
Now I am not saying to stick your head in the sand when you need to stand your ground – but try to understand how your response to conflict may create even more stress. Instead, you and I need to really listen to and respect each other while engaging in constructive and meaningful dialogue. And sometimes that means that we need to actually tolerate opposing viewpoints rather than reacting in an inappropriate manner. How about that? Take that you crabs!
So, in a crab shell, it's like what that bumper sticker out in the SCC parking lot reads, 'Wag More - Bark Less!' So, simply shed your crustraceous shell and try being a non-crab with your friends, your instructors, your colleagues, your classmates, at the library, in the cafeteria and while traveling around the campus and community. With your help, we can rid this world of crabs- one at a time – and in the spirit of Bismarck’s exuberance, let’s just keep digging and never give up!
Campus Resources:
- Mental Health Counseling: http://www.stchas.edu/academics/student-resources/scc-mental-health/
- Student Handbook: http://www.stchas.edu/dotAsset/133369.pdf Valuable information can be found in the handbook - Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) and Harassment /Discrimination information
- S.A.G.E. (Straights and Gays for Equality) http://www.stchas.edu/athletics_activities/clubs_organizations/club_detail.html?id=99652
- ALLY Training - Trains and educated interested students, faculty and staff members on being an ally to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals on campus. Contact 636-922-8477 for more information.
