She was talking about driving by Venice Beach one day and witnessing a guy writhing around in a planter on the street. Many people walked or drove passed this guy and no one seemed to offer assitance. Many people probably dismissed him as being drunk or high and went on about their business.
Lailani wondered whether or not to help.
I think that is a moral dilemma we all either have had to deal with at one time or most likely will in the future.
Are we as a people so jaded by society's ills that we can not stop to help someone that may be in need? Are we too concerned with our one safety that we can not make the time to make sure a fellow man is OK? That helping hand could mean the difference between life and death.
I had to sit back and think to myself whether or not I would in fact help if I was presented with such a situation. Would I stop and help someone in need?
I would like to think I am that person. I would like to think I would lend a much needed helping hand. The truth of the matter is that I am a squeamish scardy cat who runs at the first sight of trouble. Here are a couple of examples.
My father was in the hospital once and a bunch of us were sitting in his room. He had just come out of surgery so he looked a hot mess. He started coughing violently and I instinctively jumped up to run but my aunt quick as a flash grabbed me and pulled me back down.
I was away for the weekend with an old boyfriend one time and we were at breakfast. A few minutes into the meal a gentleman across from us began to slouch over in his seat. His wife/companion began screaming for someone to help. I, again, instinctively jumped up and bolted for the front door out of fear.
I know I am not good in situations like that and I own that which makes this whole subject matter pretty deep for me.
Would I have the wherewithal to help a stranger in need? What would you do in a situation where a stranger needed your help?
