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Ouch! That Silence Hurts! from SunShower Learning is a nine-minute video the premise of which is that we all should do something when we observe another person being stereotyped, disrespected, or demeaned. Isn't this the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?

Great message, but to me, it feels preachy and out of place in the workplace.

(SunShower released another Ouch! video in 2007. Click here for the TMR review.)

DESCRIPTION
The video opens by asking, "Do you ever stand by silently when you feel you should speak up? If so, your silence hurts." The video states that we all contribute to the continuation of jokes at other people's expense whenever we stand by silently and let it happen. Silence lets the disrespectful behavior continue.

Many people say they want to speak up in these situations but don't because of discomfort, the fear of saying the wrong thing, or the fear of becoming the brunt of the joke. Yet, these same individuals say that we should speak up in defense of the other person. (The Golden Rule!)

The video acknowledges that we often say, "I should have said something!" after we've had a chance to reflect. The video proposes that we just say something!

Ouch! Your Silence Hurts challenges viewers by asking,

"How will you personally respond next time you witness somebody being treated with disrespect? Speak up because it's the right thing to do. One voice can inspire many. One voice can make a difference."

This is a valid point, but is it appropriate for the workplace? Can it be effective? Not hurting people's feelings is something that we all should have learned in kindergarten, and if we didn't, can it really be taught by a video in the workplace? And why doesn't the video target those of us who are caught in the situation and say nothing about the offenders?

EVALUATION
The only time that I can see this video being appropriate in a workplace is as a part of a larger program on diversity. I do not see it being offered as a stand-alone class. Not all of the vignettes are work related, either.

One talks about an event that happened in a group of friends at a gas station. Another vignette is about a manager overlooking a team member's contributions. To me, that doesn't even fit in with the rest of the message of this video. It's not good management, but shouldn't that person speak up on his or her own behalf?

However, all that said, it is a very well made video. There is more diversity in this video than I've ever seen in any other video. And it is beautifully brief and simple--a narrator and lots of talking heads. That's it. There are no scenes, no backdrops, just a black background and people telling their stories about situations, what they said at the time, and how they felt afterward.

A lengthy, thorough Leader's Guide suggests various ways to present this material; there are PowerPoint slides that can be used during a classroom presentation of the DVD and handouts for learners to encourage active learning.

But don't take my word for it. Watch the entire program online and decide for yourself.

Recommendation
Ouch! Your Silence Hurts is a well-made video and has a good support package. However, I have reservations about the content.

OUCH! YOUR SILENCE HURTS Rating