Why Don't We Speak Up?

There are eight reasons that people use to justify not speaking up when something needs to be said. The reasons can be valid; however they are often just "Lame Excuses" that perpetuate secrecy and dishonesty.

The reasons are:

1.) Misplaced respect for authority.
2.) Fear of negative consequences.
3.) Not wanting to offend.
4.) Avoidance.
5.) Habit.
6.) No one else is saying anything.
7.) Self doubt.
8.) Don't know how.

Below I have several scenarios where someone did not speak up. Pick the reason you think the person used to justify silence.Then hit enter, and see if you came to the same conclusion I did.

In 1999, when Candid Camera set up fake doctors to administer inoculations for the Y2K bug, everyone cooperated and did not question the procedure.
When Marie's boss told her to send a shipment to the client in Portland, Oregon, she did it as instructed even though she knew the client was located in Portland, Maine.

John didn't tell the boss there was trouble with the account because he feared the boss' anger. He lost an account that could have been saved had the boss gotten a heads up.

Rather than address the problem, Ron continually sent Cindy on missions to get rid of her.

Joe suspected his manager was skimming the till, but didn't want to believe it, so he ignored his suspicions.

Al was used to handling things on his own, and didn't even consider letting his coworker know the shipment was delayed.

Kelly was sure the emperor was naked, but everyone else was acting as if it was normal, so she didn't say anything.
Kim thought the new accounting methods were tenuous and fraudulent, but everyone else was claiming they were brilliant so she went along.

Robert suspected his manager of sexually harassing an attractive employee, but wasn't completely sure. He chose to wait to do anything until he was completely certain, which happened when the victim filed a lawsuit.

When James' employee lost her mother, he wanted to express his concern. He couldn't find the words, so he said nothing.
Jim needed to tell his secretary to stop trying to make her priorities his priorities, but he didn't know how to say it kindly so he stayed silent.