What Would You Do?

This past Sunday while picking up last minute groceries to prepare Easter Dinner, I noticed a homeless man outside the store – someone surely have passed by before, but never stopped to approach. Given the spirit of the holiday I felt compelled to offer some help. I shared with him some food and a few dollars hoping it would make a difference. And although I felt good about my deed, later I also felt a bit of guilt. I couldn’t help but wonder how many times have I passed this man by before and never stopped to even offer the change from my pocket.

This afternoon at The UCLA Family Commons, I engaged some of our staff members in a discussion on how often people fail to react to individuals in need or injustices going on around them. We all agreed that at some point we have been guilty of playing the role of the “passer-by.”

Do we live in a society of what ifs? What if that homeless man isn’t really starving and just looking to make a few dollars without having to work? What if that person having car trouble is really just a thief looking to find a mark?

How often do we just pass by, and enjoy the blissful ignorance of the philosophy; out-of-sight, out-of-mind? Maybe it’s easier just to assume problems are someone else’s responsibility, contributing to what is called the bystander effect.

In 1964 the murder of Kitty Genovese in New York was perhaps the most compelling tale of the apparent void for Good Samaritans in this country. How non-responsive are we today?

ABC’s “What Would You Do” highlights scenarios where every day people are presented with the opportunity to react to situations of injustice or circumstances of potential emergency. The staged encounters captured are remarkable and some of the reactions – or lack thereof – are jaw-dropping. Viewers are left asking themselves what they would do if they saw a man grab a child who was screaming, “This is not my daddy?” Or, what they would do if they saw an autistic store clerk being verbally abused by customers, due to his special needs?

The fact is, in many cases people don’t feel compelled to stand up, act, or let their voice be heard. What is most concerning is how often adults do not take action – yet in other circumstances, are so quick to preach to their friends and children about compassion, consideration, and the difference between right and wrong.

As it goes, attitude reflects leadership and actions speak louder than words. I for one am trying to be more aware of everything that goes on around me. I want to represent the small percentage of people who do recognize injustices and emergencies taking place around me, then act to make things right. And as I now ask myself, I also ask of others -- what would you do?