Ep 1. Customer Abuses Employee with Down Syndrome

In season 13, episode 1 of "What Would You Do?" the social experiment show explores the mistreatment of employees with disabilities in the workplace. The episode titled "Customer Abuses Employee with Down Syndrome" depicts scenarios where actors play customers who bully and harass a grocery store employee with Down Syndrome.

The show begins with a brief introduction of the issue at hand. The host speaks about the problem of mistreatment and discrimination against employees with disabilities in the workplace and how it affects their self-esteem and job prospects. Then, the host introduces the set-up of the experiment, which will take place in a grocery store.

The episode takes place in a small-town grocery store where a young man with Down Syndrome works as a bagger. The first scenario involves a customer who is frustrated with the bagger’s speed and begins to berate him, using degrading slurs and insults. The customer complains loudly to the store manager about the employee's incompetence, prompting a response from other customers nearby. The show captures their reactions and how they intervene in the situation.

The next scenario involves a customer trying to take advantage of the young employee, instructing him to steal from another aisle while shopping. This scenario also captures the reactions of other customers who witness the abuse and intervene in the situation.

The third scenario involves a customer who does not believe the young employee is competent enough to bag his groceries. The customer complains to the store manager about the bagger's inadequacy, but the store manager defends the young employee. Again, the show captures the reactions of bystanders and how they intercede to help the employee.

Throughout each scenario, the show reveals the reactions of other customers in the store and how they respond to the abuse. Some of the customers intervene directly, while others indirectly speak out against the mistreatment. The show also includes interviews with some of the customers who were willing to share their thoughts and feelings about the issue of abuse against employees with disabilities.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment in the workplace. The host speaks about how people with disabilities have the right to work and be treated with respect in the workplace. The show also shares some information about resources available for people with disabilities who encounter discrimination or abuse in the workplace.

Overall, this episode of "What Would You Do?" brings attention to the issue of abuse and discrimination against employees with disabilities. It offers thought-provoking scenarios that reveal the reactions of everyday people to an issue that remains a persistent problem in our society. The show aims to raise awareness about the issue and inspire viewers to take action and speak up against mistreatment and discrimination of any kind.