Help thy neighbor? Why is this such a tough thing for people to do?

Answer 1

I think our society is to blame, I truelly do. We are taught to look away from the homeless instead of offer them whatever we can. We are taught that success and money are the goal in life and only through them can you achieve happiness. We are taught that in order to get ahead, you need to bump off other on the way. We aren't taught the true things in life, and what's even more sad is that I know many religious people who don't even do this. And I thought that was the foundation for some religions. But to be fair, sometimes people don't understand that they can help people even if they don't think they have the tools. They may also be afraid of backlash or being used... which happens often in our society! The sad truth is, it's what we all want, but aren't taught how to do. * sorry, for such a long rant! :) *

Answer 2

Its not a tough thing to do. Many of us were brought up believing that neighbors "did" for each other. When the opportunity arises, its rewarding to help out.
Often we isolate ourselves with cell phones, air conditioned cars and homes we never leave from the time we roll into the garage in the evening, till we leave again in the morning.
Because we live in a mobile society, not many of us know our neighbors for our entire lives. Perhaps that also makes us more impersonal.

Answer 3

You might call me crazy, but I think while there are a group of helplessly rude people who could not be bothered to help, there is another group of people whose reason for not helping is simply because they are shy or afraid, of having their offer to help being rejected.

Besides, regardless of what kind of image people might portray about a country's openess and easy-goingness, the reality check is that a lot of people are rather reserved, especially those from the Anglo-Saxon, or South-East Asian background (just simply my observation). For example, Australians are often portrayed as easy going and friendly people, but, reality check, they are still quite reserved people, especially when it comes to dealing with strangers, but this does not mean that they are not good people. In fact, Australians, for example, are very helpful people as long as there is an organised activity to help people. There are heaps of volunteer organisations here.

To conclude, it is the first step to 'reach out' is the most difficult one. I think helping people makes you feel happier than the helped one. Just have to break that mental barrier. I know I am one of the 'reserved' type who would be kicking myself for failing to help an old lady get down from the bus, but when opportunity presents, the first instinct was to 'flee'. Charming, indeed.

Answer 4

Because some people are selfish, or they don't realize others around them. People get caught up in day-to-day life, and fail to see what's going on around them.

Answer 5

We live in a small community. We do help our neighbors here.

Answer 6

yes