Nary a day goes by that I don't wonder what people gain by stepping on toes and jostling everyone out of the way, no matter the cost, so they can get their way. I marvel at humanity's propensity for cruelty and I remain puzzled at the selfishness, the very thoughtlessness that comes to the fore when people feel that the power they hold is threatened.
I have worked with nice people, great ones even, people who take time to teach their subordinates, those who spare time to impart knowledge and in their own way, contribute significantly to somebody else's growth, even when they needn’t make an effort.
But I have also worked with those who hoard their knowledge like a slice of fresh bread in war time. They do everything to paint their colleagues in bad light and do little to help others if they see no benefit to their own end.
Of course this is a rant. I have not had one in ages so I am allowed an indulgence. I have recently seen small injustices at my workplace e and felt too impotent to do anything about it, well, except get testy. I have seen a perfectly well qualified person get a temporary job, prove that they can do the job, over and over...only to be told, 'we are sorry but we will hire someone else when your contract is up.'
And all this with a plastic smile and a whole new list of things to do.
Sigh.
Injustice. I don't understand why it is that people feel inclined to believe that they are superior or why the ‘In group’’ huddle, muttering under their breadth, obviously hatching a plan to thwart another's attempts to improve their situation.
It happens, I know...but it's mostly somewhat veiled and even if an injustice is suffered, the sufferer leaves, dignity intact, never the wiser about what actually transpired to change their luck so significantly.
In this case though, the injustice is as plain as day...and we, the observers, just bury our heads deeper into our reports, knowing full well that our silence is tantamount to complicity. What can we do, though? Short of compromising our own jobs, what can we do but act nonchalant in the face of wanton injustice?
For my part, I root for the sufferer knowing that people are more resilient that we give them credit for, and knowing that the world will never be a place where everyone holds hands and sings Kumbaya. In a million little ways, I try not to cast the first stone and I try to do better in this insane environment. And then I pray that Karma rears the bitch in her and the tormentors learn a thing or two about fairness and compassion.
Then I watch as events unfold.
