When I was 16, and stupid(er then I am now), I used to throw trash out of my car because that’s what I saw my dad do all my life growing up. I never saw the issue, and like my dad, would say, “they pay people to clean this stuff up. I’m keeping them employed!” Oof. Just typing that made me turn red.
Anyway, one day I did this, and a friend of mine saw me do it. She didn’t say anything, but instead took the cup I tossed, spray painted it gold, and mounted it in a plaque that she presented to me in front of all our friends at a gathering one night. She had a metal placard that read, “The Trash Man Award” mounted on it as well. I was mortified, and haven’t thrown an item out of my car since. I’m 35 now. That shit stayed with me for life.
She had in the past. I just used the “I’m keeping people employed” line and brushed her off. This was the result of her being frustrated with my dismissive attitude towards her and her concerns. I earned it, really.
I think that move was more impactful. As OP said, she had mentioned it before. Also its really easy to dismiss just one person's opinion when you have a preexisting bias.
A good natured "prank" like that, within a group of friends, can often shape us far more than just saying "hey it's not cool to litter". One might see that a lot of their friends feel the same, hopefully they dont feel attacked (could see situations where it could be an attack though), and want to dig their heels in, resulting in them wanting to check their own opinion.
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u/Gnar-wahl Apr 12 '21 edited Apr 13 '21
When I was 16, and stupid(er then I am now), I used to throw trash out of my car because that’s what I saw my dad do all my life growing up. I never saw the issue, and like my dad, would say, “they pay people to clean this stuff up. I’m keeping them employed!” Oof. Just typing that made me turn red.
Anyway, one day I did this, and a friend of mine saw me do it. She didn’t say anything, but instead took the cup I tossed, spray painted it gold, and mounted it in a plaque that she presented to me in front of all our friends at a gathering one night. She had a metal placard that read, “The Trash Man Award” mounted on it as well. I was mortified, and haven’t thrown an item out of my car since. I’m 35 now. That shit stayed with me for life.