The United Airlines controversy is a few weeks old now, but I believe it still holds significant relevance.

No matter who you are or what your status is in our society, the infamous decision by United Airlines is one from which we can learn much.

Everyone, understandably so, went immediately to the security officers beating and dragging this doctor off of the United Airlines flight in early April, but not many have mentioned the fact that, while all of this was happening, people chose to act solely by videotaping it on their phones and berating the officers in question. After watching the video, I noticed that not one person stood up and said “Leave this man alone! I will take his place.” No. People were too worried about keeping their good seat for both the flight and the show. They wanted to feel as though they were speaking out against the actions of these security officers, while simultaneously arriving at their destination without too much distraction.

People these days are, in mass numbers, too connected to their phones and disconnected from humanity; the United Airlines situation is a prime example of this. Whether you’re at a concert or simply walking down the streets, you see people all over watching the realities in front of them through the screen of their phone. People can’t seem to be a part of life without making sure they have evidence of the story they will be telling later. Of course, we need to see these kinds of heinous acts for ourselves, and the opportunities that arise from having the technology to capture moments such as this are important in such a violent and spectacular day-and-age.

That does not excuse, however, the responsibilities that we have as self-proclaimed decent human beings in times of crisis. We need to be a part of the realities we experience. Not everyone needs to stand up and actually do something impactful, though anyone can. Some may argue that in taping these types of events, the occurrence and message is being spread to the world at large. These situations are not simply videos on YouTube or TV shows on Netflix for our detached amusement. They are a very real part of the world we SHOULD be a part of, not apart from.

Not everyone is going to have their video viewed. Not everyone is going to make the difference simply by recording the ensuing absurdity. While it is important that the world know of specific events which trample against decency, we must do more if we are to truly shift the balance. It only takes one person actually standing up - physically and verbally walling their self between the corrupt and the innocent. Why not you?

While we may not feel as though the craziness we experience around the world through a screen is immediate to our everyday lives, we never know when the moment will come, when it is my turn or your turn to step up and vocalize against a wrong-doing. You don’t have to march in every protest. You don’t have to read and watch and comment on every single news article or story. But, when the time comes, and you'll know when that moment is, you need to be prepared to do what is right.

When that time comes, will you be getting a front row seat to tragedy, or giving up that seat for a much more empowering experience?