So, I was driving to work today and on one of those narrow lanes that I have discovered as a shortcut, there was a slight traffic jam. I couldn't figure out the reason; there can be many; cows on the road, some kids playing street cricket, a rally and so on. This time however, the reason was a little different. There was a crowd that had gathered at the side of the road consisting only of men and as I passed them, I saw what can only be described a very frightened woman in the middle of that crowd. She was screaming at another man who looked very smug. One woman surrounded by at least 20 men!!! To my shame, me and the other commuters, did not stop (some commuters paused just to have a look at whats happening) but not one, read O-N-E person stopped to help. And, neither did I.
After about 3 seconds I realised what I should have done. I should have stopped to find out what happened and offer my help. I know if I was in her place, I would have really appreciated it, if someone had stopped to help me, considering I would have been surrounded by 20 men. But I didn't. I didn't stop. And that got me thinking.
Why don't people help each other, specially in such sticky situations. Is it because of the sheer nature of the situation? I have seen people stop and help accident victims. But for some reason, people will never stop if there is a fight happening. They will stop and stare but they will never help.
I read another article in the paper yesterday. A man was getting pickpocket(ed) in a crowded. He felt the thief's hand on his pocket and quickly grabbed it. The thief, whipped out a small knife and stabbed the man. The man's friend realised what was happening only after the man started screaming. The friend started screaming at the bus driver to stop the bus, but the driver didn't listen. Not one person helped the two men. The thief actually managed to throw the man he was robbing from the bus. The bus still didn't stop. His friend had to jump from the bus and rushed the man to the hospital. He was pronounced DOA.
Now, I know people are scared to get into any trouble if they helped someone. But are you trying to tell me, that if all the people on the bus had gotten together and grabbed that thief's knife, he would not have been overpowered? Are you also trying to tell me, that if I had stopped to help that woman today, it would not have helped the situation?
I have stopped many a times to help people, dogs, cows, horses; whatever I could see needed my help. But I don't stop each and every time. I am so guilt ridden today that it has driven me to tears. What if the crowd had gotten rowdy and hurt the woman, raped her even? Maybe, just maybe I could have prevented that situation?
What has driven us to such fear, fear to help another human being?
I think its an innate urge to self preserve. I cant blame anyone else anymore for not helping another person in need. I am just like everyone else.
