Many male characters are sympathetic to Elizabeth's plight, but most have trouble standing up for women or other minorities in the workplace. Why do good-hearted people have trouble speaking up? And what are the consequences of not doing so?

Book Clubs Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Discussion
1

The book includes male characters who are sympathetic to Elizabeth’s plight, and yet, with the exception of Calvin and Dr. Mason, have trouble standing up for women or other minorities in the workplace. Why do good-hearted people have trouble speaking up? And what are the consequences of not speaking up?

2

Some men (and some women!) are afraid to challenge the “good old boys” mentality. I applauded Calvin and Dr. Mason as they ignored stereotypes to give Elizabeth and other deserving women a chance. The consequence of remaining silent on issues of workplace injustice is short term promotion and long term lack of respect from colleagues.

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3

Many people do not understand people who are very different from them. I think that’s why many men did not understand Elizabeth or want to speak up for her. I think this was also the mentality of the times.

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Ah, the consequences of not speaking up! It’s not just in fiction books, as history shows.

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I believe that good-hearted people in general do not speak up in the face of wrongdoing or atrocities because they are fearful for their own livelihood, and sometimes even their life. The consequences of this fear and inaction are that the cycles of abuse, discrimination, and in the extreme, genocide, continue to operate unchecked and are further strengthened and enlarged as a result.