Something I don’t think I’ll ever understand is the complete lack of concern for others’ safety or well being as is often exhibited in society.  I’ve seen time and time again where individuals, and groups of individuals simply sit back and watch the show rather than stepping in to lend a helping hand.  There are numerous situations where this occurs and they range from something simple like holding the door for someone who clearly needs it, to offering a hand to a neighbor with their groceries.

I understand the need for self-preservation, we all are wired to preserve ourselves but at what cost?  Do we honestly not grasp the concept of Karma?  You give out good things, you get good things.  It’s the way things work.  Is it a perfect system?  Absolutely not but in general, it works.

I think the situation which irritates me most is where an individual is getting hurt, be it abuse in any form, a schoolyard brawl, or even just teasing and words.   We all too often just sit back and watch, or stay quietly on the sidelines without interfering.

Why?  Because we’re afraid of offending someone?  We’re afraid of retaliation?  It’s not our business?  We’re afraid we might get hurt?   In my opinion, all of these justifications are weak.  Don’t get me wrong, if someone is waving a gun around – caution should definitely be taken.  But for a schoolyard brawl, why wouldn’t you step in?  What if that was your child involved?  Wouldn’t you hope someone stepped in to stop it?

Why are we so afraid our social statuses might be damaged, or someone might think less of us because we stepped in?  Are we really so shallow?  Do we really think people believe that of us?

But alas, again yes.  Too often those who step in ARE discouraged from doing it.  Parents and Teachers who are suddenly confronted with their own inadequacies tend to get aggressive, friends and family  members are much the same.  Instead of addressing the obvious problem, the elephant in the room, we shift blame, therefore successfully enabling and accepting bad behavior.  We attack those who are most justified and beneficial in helping our society.  We like rules, so long as they apply to someone else.  We want laws and rules enforced, lawsuits won and more, as long as they don’t impact us.

The bottom line is we as a society are a bunch of hypocrites destined to remain prisoners to our own inadequacies.  We easily see what’s wrong with everyone else but are slow to look internally and see the real source of the problem.  It’s a shame, it truly is.

I personally will continue to celebrate those unsung heroes who extend a helping hand, lift someone when their down, and step in and break up a brawl or two at risk of physical or social peril.  I won’t hesitate to speak up or step in if the situation demands, and I certainly won’t worry about what others might think, especially if it’s the right thing to do.