Are we too scared to be human?

Question

People won't pull over and give a lift to someone walking along the side of the road in the rain for fear they're serial killers.

People will flee from a homeless person simply walking down the street, thinking only of themselves and never even viewing the person as human.

People won't help a child wandering around a mall crying on it's own because they'll "get sued for touching it".


You probably get the point.
We're all so quick to drop a buck in the charity plate, yet chances to help or even care directly aren't even considered.

Has humanity lost all individual compassion?

Answer 1

No, we haven't lost individual compassion at all. We have however, developed fear. People just have to learn to be true to their natural instincts and help out when they feel they should. There are few of us left that still do, but when we do, that kindness spreads and inspires others to show the same support and care you have shown them. If we could get this to spread to everyone doing at least one act of kindness a week, and then to one a day, the world truly would be a way better place. It is possible to happen as well. "Be the change you want to see in the world" I don't know where that is from, but it is very wise.

Answer 2

Yes we are afraid, but...

We don't give lifts because it's become more common than not that they result in fatalities involving a stranger (this was not so in years past, circa. the 1800s and so, I know it's a long while ago, but it's to show you how it's all changed). In this instance, the fear is justified.

I stop for a lot for homeless people (I've been questioned by the police when found having lunch with them on the sidewalk), so I can't speak for that one.

As for the child, I would personally stop (BTW, a child isn't an "it") but again, the fear is justified for those who don't, as the law has allowed too ridiculously strict rules.

Same goes for teachers or counselors touching students. They're afraid hugging a student who needs it will land them or the school into a sexual harassment suit.

I don't think we've lost our compassion (although some have), it's just that we've been allowed to abuse the law so much with regards to compassion, that now we're afraid to do anything because everything can be made to look bad. It's very sad, and I see your point 100%.

Answer 3

I pick up hitch hikers a lot because I didn't have a car il I was 32. I talk to homeless people, and frequently give the eating money, because I was homeless for a time. I won't help a lost child, but I would call the police to come get the child. It's like you said, fear. If the kids screams, I'm in trouble.

Answer 4

I'm part of the generation who still feels a need to do these things you mention above.....always have given food to homeless on the streets....and sure why not help a child or someone on the roadside who's car might have broken down......unfortunately the reason we've become more weary of helping others is yes, for fear that we may be accosted, sued, etc. The world unfortunately is not a friendly place anymore.......and we all know how litigious people are today....anything for the almighty dollar.....I still believe there are several people among us who truly extend a hand and care and are deeply compassionate and empathetic. I still believe we must hold onto the human spirit....not all of humanity is lost!

Answer 5

I remeber a story in the paper once a dad was having a problem getting his son in the car when they were leaving the Mall.. anyhow I guess the kid was making a fuss sooooooo some good doer called the cops (thinking it was a child abduction) and Mall security held the guy till the cops got there..
well of course the dad was able to prove it was his kid BUT he got REALLY pissed at the person who called the police.. its those kind of people who are part of the problem too.. becuase now this good doer may be frightened to help in the future...(I hope not)
I wonder what the dad would have tought if his child was actually abducted????

Answer 6

Following rules verbatim takes the humanity out of living. Until people can see that their emotional impulses won't get them screwed over the next instant, you won't see this trend improve.

It seems like the good deeds I occassionally go out of my way to perform have about the same rate of success/ regret. This is not a recent plight-

"Beggars should be abolished: for it is annoying to give to them and it is annoying not to give to them. " -Nietzsche, Friedrich

Answer 7

yeah you cant really like where mankind is going with this. very individualistic but is it the same in other cultures. i hope that its not necessarily true all around the world and its just the U S's bad.

Answer 8

Time has changed.

It's all about me, myself and I world.