Is human compassion dead or dying where you live?

[chic]

I would have to say yes. I say this based on personal experiences from which your own may differ which is why I ask.

I remember as a child growing up hearing my parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles talk about the great depression and what life was like back then and from the stories they related, it sounded as though people cared more about each other then than they do now. They were much more willing to lend a helping hand or overlook a fault than they are now. Plus there were no major corporations ruling the world and squeezing people dry as is the situation now.

We're told there is a global pandemic and we all have to work together to pull ourselves out of it, while those who make the rules or the wealthy do not have to comply. I see this all the time and perhaps you do to.

The pandemic has caused so much division. Everybody disapproves of someone else for some reason and they are very vocal about it. We seem to be unable to find common ground. Theft is running rampant. Personally, I have lost $399.+ due to the pandemic which everyone uses as an excuse to steal from another in some way mostly when transacting business online which is why I'd rather go to a store any day. Neighbors ask "Did you see someone steal a package from my porch." No one does, but will go on about how THEIRS was stolen also.

A woman and her pregnant daughter were run over by a car and seriously injured the other day here. It was deliberate. The man behind the wheel has serious mental health issues. So does everyone else here but we try not to run each other down with our cars. Nobody helps anybody anymore all claiming the pandemic as their reason to hurt, to steal, to injure and maim.

My mom is in her eighties now and her eyes fill with tears as she relates to me stories of how some person or other has said something cruel to her because of covid restrictions. She deserves better.

Human compassion is giving its death rattle here.

People are so much nastier than they used to be. Is it just me? What's your take on this?

 

[Rosemarie]

No. This virus has brought out the best in some people. Many are going out of their way to help those who are affected by loss of income, and those who are confined to their homes.

 

[hollydolly]

Oh Chic, I'm sorry to hear this from you. It's awful that you've lost money as a scam during this... we had a porch pirate who stole a box of wine from our doorstep, and we were lucky we had the ring doorbell to identify him, in fact we thought the police would do nothing about it, but co-incidentally just the other day we had a follow up from the police saying he has been charged with theft, and will appear in court...but if I saw someone do that to one of my neighbours I most certainly would challenge them. .. Ours was a gift from a client, and was easily replaced and it probably would have happened at any time given a an opportunist thief the chance..

..on the whole I think theft has become more rampant because millions cannot work and are missing a paycheck. I watched a YT documentary last night talking to Class A drug users who say the pandemic has made them turn to crime because as prostitutes or beggars the public are staying well clear of them.

I feel that many people worldwide have significant mental health issues caused by the fear and stress of this pandemic.. and many now suffer from depression, I can't imagine what the health bill currently is or will be for anti-depressants ...

I feel sad for your mum, that she would have known a much better wordl..most of us here have.. and yearn for it.

I rarely leave the house now, only shop every 3 or 4 weeks because nothing is open ..so I don't really see much of what's going on in the world or be affected by it ...however the children return to school on Monday and that starts our slow return to normality...hospitality opens in mid April...so it'll be interesting to see how people react with one another then..

to you and your mum Chic...

 

[Mike]

I agree Chic, but I also agree with Rosemarie and hollydolly,
yes there is a change and more aggression except in the
supermarkets for some reason, where people seem to be
polite to each other.

Mike.

 

[Fyrefox]

I think that the pandemic as well as the global/political events of the past four years have simply amplified and brought more to the surface personality traits, orientations, and characteristics that were already rooted in individuals, but perhaps more hidden and less overtly expressed. Good people have become better, and bad ones have become worse. What's the expression? "Fire melts butter, but refines steel..."

 

[hollydolly]

I think that the pandemic as well as the global/political events of the past four years have simply amplified and brought more to the surface personality traits, orientations, and characteristics that were already rooted in individuals, but perhaps more hidden and less overtly expressed. Good people have become better, and bad ones have become worse. What's the expression? "Fire melts butter, but refines steel..."

first time I've heard that expression, it's a good one

 

[Lewkat]

I was born at the height of the depression, 1933 to be exact and as I grew I realized there was a feeling of community togetherness. It wasn't unusual for neighbors to pitch in for assistance to others in times of need. Then along came WWII, and everyone comforted everyone else with our families having sons, fathers, brothers, etc. sent off to fight. After the war and a couple of generations pass and instead of having learned the lesson of ironing things out before hostilities broke out, we were embroiled in wars not directly involving us at home. Bitterness became the by word and when I see today, a young person walk down the street knock an old lady or man to the ground for no reason at all, I'll go after that person. I am strong and agile and fear no man unless he has a gun pointing at me. This attitude is pervasive today in many forms and it disgusts me no end. Something will ultimately give and it won't be pretty.

 

[Gary O']

Is human compassion dead or dying where you live?​

Not 'where I live'
Small city or big town
Old fashion morality here

But

Up the path
Approx 300 miles north.....unbelievable

Rioting, looting, is not only tolerated, but encouraged

Never in a million years woulda thought this lawlessness would be the norm in Portland
But it is

A noticeable population of young adults today are going for it, without repercussion

Even beating on old folks

Heh, a 20 something kid here challenged me not that long ago
He was snooping around some houses
I asked if he was lost
The little turd said he was looking for his cat
Told him its not here

He got in my face
said something like 'its not any of your business old man'

I got in his
Told him I'm making it my business

He backed off and left

Yeah I'm old....old enough

Not gonna take any crap from young degenerates

 

[hollydolly]

You're built like a brick outhouse Gary, but it's a good thing that little chit, didn't have a knife or a gun...

 

[MarciKS]

I feel like we're living in an "every man for himself" world anymore. They take care of #1 and screw the rest. They don't care what they say or who they hurt. As long as they're getting theirs...that's all that matters. If you disagree with them you're the enemy. They take but give nothing back. They give you lip service just to appease you while they stab you in the back. I don't go out unless I have to. I quit trying to make friends. I stopped looking for love years ago. I just don't want anything to do with the world outside my door anymore. *Hugs Chic*

 

[Aunt Bea]

Years ago all people had was each other and like it or not they looked out for each other.

Then along came the New Deal.

Now the government is expected to take care of us and we've lost much of the human connection that existed years ago.

Things are probably better but sometimes it certainly doesn't feel that way.

 

[JonDouglas]

Not where I am locally but see it in the larger cities where drugs, homelessness and crime have taken root. In those places, "compassion" is more political posturing than anything and is without much real results.

 

[Gary O']

You're built like a brick outhouse Gary, but it's a good thing that little chit, didn't have a knife or a gun...

I wish he would've

Give me an excuse

 

[tbeltrans]

One problem (certainly not the whole picture) is that political correctness has gone way overboard so that people have become defensive because anybody can be offended by anybody at any time for any reason. There isn't the social decorum that once provided a means for people to interact in a reasonable manner. Instead, there is the fear that if a person says something that offends another in some way, the person can be fired, called out and shamed, or even sued.

On the whole, I agree with those who say that current conditions are bringing out the worst AND the best in people, depending on the individual. The COVID lockdown and isolation has certainly put a strain on a lot of people. People are losing their jobs and the businesses that created those jobs are going out of business. Social activities that provide companionship are greatly reduced or eliminated due to COVID-19. Then, at least here in the US we have very deep divisions of "dese guys" vs "dose guys" - pick a side and go after the other guys. It is childish at heart but people seem to revel in it for some reason.

Tony

 

[Gary O']

Last week an aged lady tripped on a curb
did a face plant

I pulled over and ran across the street to help

Several others stopped to help

Had a time getting her on her feet (she has bad knees)

Finally, she was up
No serious hurts

Noticed one thing
Everyone that stopped and rushed to help was old

 

[JonDouglas]

Years ago all people had was each other and like it or not they looked out for each other.

Then along came the New Deal.

Now the government is expected to take care of us and we've lost much of the human connection that existed years ago.

Things are probably better but sometimes it certainly doesn't feel that way.

Not only that but the "New Deal" actually prolonged the depression. It did provide a minimal safety net for citizens but had policies that throttled back recovery forces and made people more dependent on government in the process. COVID is now taking that a step further.

 

[hollydolly]

One problem (certainly not the whole picture) is that political correctness has gone way overboard so that people have become defensive because anybody can be offended by anybody at any time for any reason. There isn't the social decorum that once provided a means for people to interact in a reasonable manner. Instead, there is the fear that if a person says something that offends another in some way, the person can be fired, called out and shamed, or even sued.



Tony

Couldn't agree more with this first part ...

 

[chic]

Oh Chic, I'm sorry to hear this from you. It's awful that you've lost money as a scam during this... we had a porch pirate who stole a box of wine from our doorstep, and we were lucky we had the ring doorbell to identify him, in fact we thought the police would do nothing about it, but co-incidentally just the other day we had a follow up from the police saying he has been charged with theft, and will appear in court...but if I saw someone do that to one of my neighbours I most certainly would challenge them. .. Ours was a gift from a client, and was easily replaced and it probably would have happened at any time given a an opportunist thief the chance..

..on the whole I think theft has become more rampant because millions cannot work and are missing a paycheck. I watched a YT documentary last night talking to Class A drug users who say the pandemic has made them turn to crime because as prostitutes or beggars the public are staying well clear of them.

I feel that many people worldwide have significant mental health issues caused by the fear and stress of this pandemic.. and many now suffer from depression, I can't imagine what the health bill currently is or will be for anti-depressants ...

I feel sad for your mum, that she would have known a much better wordl..most of us here have.. and yearn for it.

I rarely leave the house now, only shop every 3 or 4 weeks because nothing is open ..so I don't really see much of what's going on in the world or be affected by it ...however the children return to school on Monday and that starts our slow return to normality...hospitality opens in mid April...so it'll be interesting to see how people react with one another then..

to you and your mum Chic...

I'm glad you got a sort of justice for your theft. I agree with you that so many are still not fully employed and they are hurting financially and some will turn to theft. We are also worried that some of our postal workers may actually be involved in these thefts as our postal system in the US has been fractured since last summer, and is still not fully recovered. When I live we are no longer even getting our bills on time. This is a mixed blessing for me. It's just hard on everyone and especially for those in lockdown situations like you folks in the UK. It must be miserable never seeing anyone at all. Bad for the mental health I would think.

 

[chic]

Last week an aged lady tripped on a curb
did a face plant

I pulled over and ran across the street to help

Several others stopped to help

Had a time getting her on her feet (she has bad knees)

Finally, she was up
No serious hurts

Noticed one thing
Everyone that stopped and rushed to help was old

My mom fractured her entire face last year doing that! Don't trip or fall my friends.

 

[terry123]

I feel like we're living in an "every man for himself" world anymore. They take care of #1 and screw the rest. They don't care what they say or who they hurt. As long as they're getting theirs...that's all that matters. If you disagree with them you're the enemy. They take but give nothing back. They give you lip service just to appease you while they stab you in the back. I don't go out unless I have to. I quit trying to make friends. I stopped looking for love years ago. I just don't want anything to do with the world outside my door anymore. *Hugs Chic*

I am just about the same way. I listen to my Church's sermons and Lenton services via the internet, have most groceries delivered, I have a few very close friends but I have had them for years and
I don't want or need to make any more, would be nice to have a special friend but I am not getting out there to find one.
When I hear of someone in need, I try to contribute and help them if I can. I live a simple life and prefer it that way.

 

[Packerjohn]

I can't say because I don't see many people socially anymore. We are still forbidden to gather in our common room. Some people that I'm suppose to know are hidden behind huge black masks so I don't even recognize them never mind what their names are. I can feel a lot of anger when I read the comments at the end of certain news stories that allow comments. The media is obsessed nonstop Covid stories for the last year so I really don't know what is happening in this world.

 

[hollydolly]

My mom fractured her entire face last year doing that! Don't trip or fall my friends.

hope your mum is much better, to fall on her face at 80 plus it's extremely dangerous.... I fell in the summer, out in my garden, tripped over the edging, right onto my face... took the skin right off my knees and shins... and then blow me if I didn't fall again a few weeks later , and cracked my shoulder blades.. ..and I'm much younger than you mum, and it hurt like hell for months

yes it's hard not to be able to go and visit folks, or go anywhere because of the lockdown. We can go to the park but not with anyone from a different household... but that's our lot.... we're all looking very forward to things starting to open in April and May ..praying that unlike last time when things started opening we don't get closed down again very quickly due to an upsurge in Covid cases, hopefully now that we have over 20 million people already vaccinated , that will prevent another breakout... ...

 

[Keesha]

Not at all. In fact since Covid 19, people have become much nicer and understanding. People up here help each other out including us. Last week a couple got stuck in the ditch right in front of our house. They were city people who aren’t accustomed to ditches at the side of the road so we went out to help them.

My husband helped dig the snow out from around his truck, then another truck driver stopped and said if we had some big heavy chains, that he could probably pull him out. We got some big heavy chains but he couldn’t. The chain snapped. Then the snow plow truck went by and stopped and the driver told us he’s not supposed to do this but he got some super heavy duty chains and easily pulled the truck out. That’s how most people are around here.

Often at the supermarket since charts cost a quarter, other shoppers will offer you their cart so you don’t need to pay a quarter and it happened often.

People out east are even nicer. They would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it.

 

[katlupe]

No, not in the area I live. People seem to be willing to help others who need help. I live in an apartment complex and for the most part everyone helps each other if they can. Yesterday we had our first "Coffee Hour" downstairs in our community room. Not everyone comes to these anyway and we had less than 10 people there. It was nice and one of the oldest members of our community was so happy to be able to do this. She has not been out of her apartment except to go shopping and doctor appointments.

Our city also, has many churches and social agencies that reach out to people who need any type of help. You just have to let them know. It is hard for some people to ask for help but it is there for anyone.

 

[chic]

hope your mum is much better, to fall on her face at 80 plus it's extremely dangerous.... I fell in the summer, out in my garden, tripped over the edging, right onto my face... took the skin right off my knees and shins... and then blow me if I didn't fall again a few weeks later , and cracked my shoulder blades.. ..and I'm much younger than you mum, and it hurt like hell for months

yes it's hard not to be able to go and visit folks, or go anywhere because of the lockdown. We can go to the park but not with anyone from a different household... but that's our lot.... we're all looking very forward to things starting to open in April and May ..praying that unlike last time when things started opening we don't get closed down again very quickly due to an upsurge in Covid cases, hopefully now that we have over 20 million people already vaccinated , that will prevent another breakout... ...

She did recover completely. She was taken to the ER right away as I was still working. It was Feb. But I took her to her follow up appts. I'm sorry to hear about your fall. That sounds really painful. Did you need a doctor?

I do hope all the vaccinations will help restore us to something better than we have at present. You Brits are so tough minded. I'm all weepy and complaining and so is everyone else here. Well, many of us are like me.