Imagine finding yourself in a sticky situation. One that confronts you with out-of-the-ordinary circumstances that test your patience, demand your resolve, or challenge you to take a stand and do the right thing.  

We’ve heard friends and family describe how they reacted to such experiences, and we’ve likely found ourselves in their shoes at some point. Whether we’re the ones giving or seeking advice on how we respond, the question arises, “What would you do?”  

This question serves as both the title and premise of a popular, long-running television series. What Would You Do?, which is narrated by award-winning journalist and author John Quiñones, has aired on ABC since 2008 and now also streams on Hulu. Each episode features actors playing out contentious scenarios in the vicinity of unwitting bystanders whose reactions are captured by hidden cameras.  

The Columbia Mast General Store is now a part of the show’s legacy. The production recently filmed a scenario at the location in which an actor playing the role of a disgruntled guest belittles an actor with Down syndrome, who plays a store employee. 

The scenes capture how nearby real-life store guests witnessing the confrontation react and choose whether to intervene. In several of the interactions, observers step in to defend the actor playing the store employee as the other actor insists that she prefers to be helped by a “normal” employee. 

Sparking Thoughtful Discussion 

While the production crew’s filming on location at the Columbia Mast Store took only a few days last summer, talks between What Would You Do? producers and Mast Store leadership began early in 2024.  

As a family- and employee-owned company, Mast did not want to unfairly represent its staff, store guests, or community in a provocative, “gotcha” scenario. After thoughtful discussion of possible storylines the show might depict, both parties agreed to the segment that eventually aired for its potential to spark honest, meaningful conversation about how society addresses people with disabilities, like Down syndrome. 

“Our company is dedicated to cultivating a culture of kindness that includes a strong belief in the potential and contributions of people with disabilities. We understand the importance of creating a welcoming and respectful space for all employees and guests,” said Lisa Cooper, Mast Store president. 

The episode effectively framed this message. After the What Would You Do? host revealed that the scenario was staged to one actual store guest who chose to speak out, the guest said that she has a child with Down syndrome and knew she had to say something because she has witnessed her own child endure pain and criticism in the way some people treat him. 

As the guest says to the host, “Who’s ‘normal?’ I would think somebody that’s kind is normal.” 

Through its participation in the series, Mast Store’s goal was to generate dialogue and reaffirm cultural norms that value a person for their character rather than their appearance. Guests, in fact, proved their own character as many intervened to speak out against bullying and verbal abuse of a person with a disability. Columbia, like all Mast Store communities, showed its heart doesn’t abide discrimination. 

"Our store is more than just a place to shop for our guests and more than a place to work for our staff; it's a community where everyone can find a sense of belonging,” said Cooper. 

The What Would You Do? episode featuring the Columbia Mast Store originally aired on ABC Network on October 16, 2024 (season 17, episode 2). It recently became available for free viewing on ABC.com and is also available for streaming on Hulu with a subscription. 

NOTE: All Mast Store guests who appeared in ABC’s What Would You Do? agreed to share their likeness before the episode aired.