I enjoy a good heartwarming story. I admit to tearing up on the occasion of watch some such videos on social media, but, at the core, I am a cynic. I noted this morning that “I see people film themselves doing something kind (e.g., like for a homeless person). I see people film violence being inflicted on people. What I never see is someone filming oneself putting his or her life on the line to save someone from violence.”
I find no fault in the videos of people’s reactions to good deeds—where the emphasis is on the recipient as opposed to the doer. For example, I saw a story recently of a young man receiving a car for his birthday. He lost his father to war when he was very young. He dreamed of having a car his father had owned. In short, a man many states away found the car, raised money to have the car completely restored, and delivered the car personally for the young man’s birthday. It was a beautiful story of community not the self-promoting story of one’s own generosity. There are many videos like this to warm the heart.
This morning, I saw a video of a man giving his shoes to a homeless man. This is certainly a kind and generous act, and such actions should be encouraged. What struck me about the video was that it was filmed by the actor. Why? Moreover, why post it on social media. Obviously, one feels the need to promote oneself. (Honestly, I question whether such videos aren’t staged in the first place. I am, again, a cynic.)
Then there are the video of people being attacked, beaten, robbed, or worse. It seems everyone is quick to pull out the phone and start recording, but no one is willing to step up and step in. Those who do—and there should be more—never pull their phones out and film their actions.
It seems we are becoming a society that must be rewarded for our good actions. We feel entitled to such rewards. We revel at the suffering of others and feel good about ourselves when we act particularly human. Personally, I find it depressing and increasingly aggravating.
I hope we all do some good today. When we do, I hope we will do it quietly and with no need of thanks or celebration. Let’s be human. Let’s do good for others. Moreover, let us intervene in the suffering of other. Cameras off. Hearts on.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!