anotheranon (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
anotheranon) wrote2011-02-10 09:24 pm
anotheranon) wrote2011-02-10 09:24 pm
Entry tags:
on human kindness
I can sometimes have a grim view of humanity. Not of individual people, mind - I maintain that many if not most people are basically good, or at least content to live and let live.
No, it's groups of people that I have little hope for. Reading this account and analysis of bullying only gives fuel to the suspicion I entertain on my worst days that given the slightest peer pressure, most people will bully or put up with the bullying of others. They do it because they can, because it's an easy way to feel good about themselves, and bystanders will do nothing out of fear of backlash. Which I get, kind of - standing up and standing alone is difficult and scary.
It's not even exclusively a "high school pressure cooker" thing either, though that's where I learned the damn hard lesson that when it mattered, no one would get my back. I think the link makes an excellent point that people never outgrow that need to take the easy and ugly way, and this is reflected in political discourse and lingering discrimination against the out-group du jour.
As an adult I can be more pragmatic, almost to the point of acceptance that This Is How Things Are, whether I like it or not. Not everyone is cut out to be a rebel or hero, they have their own problems, and expecting different is just banging my head against the wall.
Then... I see something like this (HT![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
attack_laurel) and it reminds me that there is generosity, and compassion, and bravery in masses. It heartens me, makes me expect and demand more of people and of myself, as much as it angers me that this seems like such a rare thing.
Despite the gloom/doom lead-in, I'm trying to write a happy post here! Got any examples of human selflessness, bravery, joy? Leave 'em in the comments.
No, it's groups of people that I have little hope for. Reading this account and analysis of bullying only gives fuel to the suspicion I entertain on my worst days that given the slightest peer pressure, most people will bully or put up with the bullying of others. They do it because they can, because it's an easy way to feel good about themselves, and bystanders will do nothing out of fear of backlash. Which I get, kind of - standing up and standing alone is difficult and scary.
It's not even exclusively a "high school pressure cooker" thing either, though that's where I learned the damn hard lesson that when it mattered, no one would get my back. I think the link makes an excellent point that people never outgrow that need to take the easy and ugly way, and this is reflected in political discourse and lingering discrimination against the out-group du jour.
As an adult I can be more pragmatic, almost to the point of acceptance that This Is How Things Are, whether I like it or not. Not everyone is cut out to be a rebel or hero, they have their own problems, and expecting different is just banging my head against the wall.
Then... I see something like this (HT
attack_laurel) and it reminds me that there is generosity, and compassion, and bravery in masses. It heartens me, makes me expect and demand more of people and of myself, as much as it angers me that this seems like such a rare thing.Despite the gloom/doom lead-in, I'm trying to write a happy post here! Got any examples of human selflessness, bravery, joy? Leave 'em in the comments.
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I think Irena Sendler is another great example of human goodness. She was and individual, but she worked with a network, and all of them risked their lives for complete strangers during years and many many times over.
Sendler is not half as known as Schindler, but she saved over 2000 people without being a millionaire.
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“I believe each of us is born with an inner strength that is destined to help someone, to make a positive difference in the life of at least one living being. You help one in the hope that he will help a second, and if that happens, just imagine what a simple and beautiful world this could become!”
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I was running late for my Ear, Nose Throat specialist as there had been an accident, slow cars and no parking (due to construction work on the nearby building).. I did two blocks looking for a park, finally found one and then discovered our 'emergency parking change' in the car, had been used up and not replaced by he-who-shall-not-be named. I was screwed and about to give up and go home and pay the fine for not attending the appointment...
when...
the lady and her daughter who owned the car in the next park, arrived at their car.
I asked if she had some change for the meter. I offered her the $5 note in return and she said. "Don't worry about it. Just hope your day gets better". and then they drove off...
There are still some really, really nice people in the world.
:)
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