We all make assumptions. We all jump to conclusions about people only to find out they are wrong. But to own it, to admit our mistakes and to give acknowledgement and gratitude where it is due, is something we all should do more of. This is what LaVonte Dell did and his sharing of his story is an inspiration to all.
When he was pulled over by a policeman for his tinted windows, he was expecting the worst. With tensions high, this tattoo covered black man wasn’t expecting to make a friend. And when he was asked to get out of the car because the policeman noticed his young daughter wasn’t in a car seat, he was sure his day was only going to go from bad to worse. But that is not what happened. Officer Joshua Scaglione wasn’t interested in making LaVonte’s life harder, all he wanted was to protect that little girl. So he did what was needed.
Rather than ticket LaVonte, Office Scaglione went with him to Walmart to buy his daughter a carseat from his personal money. This defines empathy. This shows the ability to see what is needed and do it, even though he could have done many other things. In Hebrew, the word for empathy is “rachmanut” whose root is “rechem” which means “womb.” The concept is that empathy is to be other-centered. To feel the pain of another and treat them the way you would want to be treated for you feel their situation. Officer Scaglione wasn’t interested in recognition, but he deserves it, as he provided so much more than a car seat. His act broke stereotypes, created a connection of respect and friendship, and showed the importance of kindness. He did the right thing because it was the right thing, and in doing so, he made a lifelong impact on LaVonte. As LaVonte wrote in his Facebook post: “Never judge a book by it’s cover it’s most def is some good guys left. I told him I never met a officer like u….”
