A letter writer to The Newtown Bee [“Demonstrate Allyship With Words And Actions,” The Newtown Bee, May 7, 2021] recently observed that we live in a caring community, so much so that animal welfare brings out the best in us; but concerned that perhaps our human compassion needs fine tuning.

Reports in social media of racist language used multiple times by a Newtown business owner in front of customers led the letter author to wonder if this behavior was tolerated; and to offer responsible suggestions for confronting insensitivity when it is not just an uneducated blunder but blatantly offensive. We will not condone a Newtown business that participates in appalling racist behavior.

We praise Leon-Gambetta for taking a courageous stance and for taking the high road in not outing the business in question: While it is important to not promote businesses overtly insensitive to racial issues, it is equally important to not spread hearsay, to not denigrate a business based on social media posts about incidents not personally experienced.

Know the source. Know if there is a trustworthy soul at the heart of an accusation when unraveling long, involved threads of comments. Word of mouth among friends and relatives is powerful, and repeat offenders will soon be exposed.

Interviews and event coverage by this paper last year revealed name calling, microaggressions, and students experiencing racist slurs at school — many of those incidents not adequately addressed. “Nicer in Newtown?” We need to be “Better in Newtown.” Raising awareness to racial problems in Newtown is essential. Recent programs at the C.H. Booth Library, church groups, and book groups have helped define race and racism, what it looks like, and like our letter writer, show how to put allyship into action. Educating oneself is the first step to acknowledging a problem and discovering how to better understand the diverse people populating our world.

Speak up when racially insensitive remarks or actions are witnessed. No need to lower oneself to the level of the offender; but let them know that you find their words and/or actions indefensible. Stick up for those who may be stunned to silence by unexpected vitriol.

Report offensive behavior to corporations overseeing franchise businesses, and let them know you will not support the business in any manner until visible action is taken to correct that behavior. Tell small business owners you will not be supporting them if racism is acceptable in their space. Report racist incidents to school officials, town officials, or managers. Report and report again.

Should abuse go beyond verbal, file a complaint with local law enforcement. Abusive actions cannot be tolerated.

A business owner on the business end of an offended customer may think twice before again uttering words that hurt — or risk losing not one, but several customers as the incident is shared — particularly via social media (where many will be happy to spread the “news”). A bad reputation in a small town is risky business.

Can one bad apple spoil the whole bushel? Maybe not, but who wants even one bad apple in a basket?