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Martin Shkreli is an infamous name heard over the last few months. In his latest appearance, he was seen smirking and smiling as others begged him to reconsider his choice of hiking up the price of a lifesaving drug. Hearing the pleas on behalf of the people didn’t seem to faze him. This is an example we did hear about, of someone in a powerful position with money trying to abuse their rights.
Oftentimes, situations stay silent for exactly the same reason. Because the person on the other end doesn’t think they will be heard. Because the person of “power” has a connections and money to go along with it. Because they can’t afford good legal counsel. Because they don’t have anyone to back them up or fear of being penalized as a result. There are many more incidences of large corporations winning lawsuits, as the plaintiff or as the defendant than the average civilian experiencing a victory when wronged. Regardless of what happens, they don’t always come out as winners. Winning could be interpreted in different ways.
To some, morals are more valuable then power and money. Unfortunately, that is not what always plays out. We may not be able to relate to a high profile situation such as above. On a smaller scale, the same idea of misusing power happens on a day to day basis. Abusing power ends up with someone being a victim, however minor. Someone who does that could read this and rationalize why their behaviors aren’t wrong. Someone else may read this piece and think about what they could work on. A large reason for this behavior toward others is simply because it is accepted by those with the voice and ability to put an end to it, who continue to enable the behavior.
What can you do about this? Ask yourself if you make decisions regarding other people because you can? Do you ever use money to your advantage to get what you want which involves other people giving in to what they wouldn’t usually do? Do you know people won’t say no because of possible repercussions such as losing a job or having you spread a negative name to mutual acquaintances or potential opportunities?
It is more difficult for those who don’t have a voice to find justice, although there are ways. There are those out there who will fight for us who can’t fight for ourselves. The more logical solution would be for those abusing their power to stop doing so. That is unlikely to happen. Making it known could be helpful because it empowers you. If you were a victim, there are usually others too. There is power in numbers.
Back to the morals, we can only try to better ourselves. When you are doing something questionable, ask yourself if you would want to be treated in the same way you are treating them. If someone comes to you about something which bothers them, listen to them. No-one is always right. Is it more important to better yourself as a person or to refuse change because that may mean that you made mistakes and were wrong in the past? That goes into confidence which is a topic for another time.
When you look into the mirror, what do you want to see? Have you ever self-reflected? Many times after the fact, when someone passes away, we feel regretful about the way we acted. Why wait until then when you could start making changes today?
Zahavah Fishfeld, LMHC is a licensed therapist who focuses on relationships, self-esteem and self growth. She offers a phone consultation as well as sessions in person and through video. Her offices are located in Flatbush and Crown Heights. She can be reached at 845-596-1321 and zahavahsel@gmail.com.