Thursday, July 3, 2008

what happens to a person in need

My friend had told me about an experience he had while in Taiwan. A man on a moped was knocked off his vehicle onto the street. He appeared injured and a crowd materialized. Rather than help him, the onlookers just stared at the man while they murmured with each other. I was incensed. How could no one help him? How selfish are these people? Then I realized that I'm not sure I would step out to help the man either.

Just recently, I finished a book call River City. The book is written by an American peace corp volunteer who goes to the city of Fuling, along the Yangtze downstream from Chongqing, to teach English at the local school. He describes a similar episode along the dingy streets in the poorer part of the city. Once again, the onlookers stare and do nothing.

I would at least feel guilty, I thought. I don't know. I'm not sure that I would go out of my way.

What would you do? Why?

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