SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-bigotry-identify-behavior

When you speak up against a bigoted remark, what should you focus on?

Describe the behavior, without labeling or name-calling the person.

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  1. Call the person a name so they get the point
  2. Describe what they said, not label them ✔
  3. Stay silent to keep the peace

Why: Learn to Lead's steps to speak up include identifying the behavior. Loaded labels make people defensive. Open questions like asking why they said that work better.

Huh, didn't know that: The other steps include be ready, appeal to principles, set limits, find an ally, and be vigilant.

The dad joke
Why did the cadet bring a mirror to the talk? To help someone see what they really said.
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References

Answer: Describe what they said, not label them. Learn to Lead's steps to speak up include identifying the behavior. Loaded labels make people defensive. Open questions like asking why they said that work better.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3: Indirect Leadership, chapter 9 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    When identifying behavior, however, avoid labeling, name-calling or the use of loaded terms.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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