what ARE YOU going to do?

[Gunmonk]

Well its obvious that all of us have some sort of belief/belief system. I saw this point that basically said "if your beliefs are superior, then show me" in an article that I linked to, and I have made this point several times across these very boards. My question is a rather simple one of "If you believe in something... what are you going to do about it?" its not that big of a question is it?

I was at a ski retreat, and I contemplated this a very long time. What are we doing to show love, compassion, or empathy with our fellow man. I live in Houston, where there is a homeless population, but do I ever stop to even think about them? Not really is unfortunately enough my answer. The Girl I sit next to in algebra who's wrists are scarred, and her arms and shoulders bruised from a boyfriend who deserves to be killed for beating her, I want to say something... but I can't can I? I can't go on like this, I need to care. We can't go on like this, we need to care.

I think its time for a little less apathy and a little more empathy. So maybe it is time for people to actually stop and understand each other, take the time to help someone change a flat tire, give a homeless person a burger, anything helps.


What I'm going to do is this, for thirty days, I will find a new way to help someone, and actually do it.

The real question though is What ARE YOU Going To Do?

[GenocideAlive]

I saw a crackwhore with a broken arm try to buy meds for it but apparently could afford them. She was like 19, I felt really bad for her. I almost stopped and said I'd help, then I woke up and realized she would probably end up either latching onto me or using the money for drugs.

I'm going to finish eating my cake, and go to bed.

[femoimal]

.... my neighbor is beating with wife, his two kids and his mother in law with one arm while he reads the newspaper with the other (really).

I am definitely trying to get him to play squash in my team.

[Thedutchjelle]

I will try to help people, but only if they ask me for help.
And if i feel like it ofcourse.

[Dark_Soul74]

I will wear fewer rings when I pimpslap.

[TheBB]

.... my neighbor is beating with wife, his two kids and his mother in law with one arm while he reads the newspaper with the other (really).

I am definitely trying to get him to play squash in my team.

Going to the police seems like a better option.

[Galiant]

We in the seminary have a weekly outreach to anyone who needs help! so every week we go out and help the poor and all that stuff!

[KexMex]

I am going to not care. Ever. I'm that bad.

[IrishDutchman]

I give money to this blind guy in town, who I feel really sorry for. Other than that, I don't really do any charity. Thanks for making me feel bad. :P

[Black.Ice]

You know, the responses if this thread are full of pretty hilarious cynicism and sarcasm. It looks like Gunmonk was trying to be serious; the least you guys can do is show him some respect and take it somewhat seriously.

None the less, it shows an interesting side of us -- have we become so accustom to the unfairness of life, and are we so used to seeing people suffer that it doesn't bother us anymore?

I'd like to say yes -- it's kind of like a survival mechanism, right? We have to help ourselves before helping others. What are your guys' thoughts?

[kongurous]

I will wear fewer rings when I pimpslap.

I am going to not care. Ever. I'm that bad.

I'm ashamed in you two. Here we have a member trying to be serious, trying to improve the state of our existence by suggesting we actually do something to help others, and here you are, half-assing answers and responding with irreverent sarcasm? What the fuck is wrong with you?

[femoimal]

some funny stories happen around here.

Here's one. News from last month. A mother of 2 was leasing her children (a boy and a girl) to an orthodox priest for him to play around with them. Along she took a girlfriend of theirs. The priest was doing his business in the church itself, in exchange for 50 euros, while the mother was holding the children. The neighbors repeatedly called the social services, but no-one came. It was a neighbor that got a hint from the older daughter and moved himself. Ah, it was happening for more than 2 years i think, and the younger girl was about 8 when it started (the boy 6 or 7).

Another one. A couple adopted this young central african girl. Well, the mother ended up torturing the child with cigarette butts, while the father invited some friends to rape the girl with him. They got arrested, the woman got something like 20, but the man pleaded he had fallen in love with the child, so he only got 10. Ah, passion crimes.

A last one, closer to home. A (ex-)friend of mine, about 25, was taking showers with a 10 year-old girl. The mother knew about it, and even encouraged them...

Enough to make you wonder about the flaws in the basic mechanisms of man, right ? It is hard enough to get some police work in social affairs when YOU are the victim. But when the victim is someone else, it gets really tough.
I do not know, some people say that it is the collapse of religion, or the weakening of families. Well i know of families covering up incests. What is it ? Solitude ? Or is it just always the same ?

[IrishDutchman]

None the less, it shows an interesting side of us -- have we become so accustom to the unfairness of life, and are we so used to seeing people suffer that it doesn't bother us anymore?

Well, that's all terribly relative. Of all the other times and places in human civilization, we're in the best. Compared to the slums of Calcutta, we're doing fine. People suffer, they always will. All we can do is try to reduce the amount. And we're on the right track, if you ask me. Look at the improvements we've made in the last century alone!

In our frame of comparison, we're taking care of ourselves brilliantly. Compared to some utopian state of the future, we mightn't be. But that's what we're working towards, and getting closer to, every day.

I do not know, some people say that it is the collapse of religion, or the weakening of families. Well i know of families covering up incests. What is it ? Solitude ? Or is it just always the same ?

Collapse of religion? Hardly. I doubt things were any different a 1000 years ago when the church owned and commanded nearly half of Europe. We just don't hear about stuff that happened a 1000 years ago on the news.

[femoimal]

i do not personally think its the collapse of religion, Wagnerian Guinness, but someone (and i do not say names) could argue that the fear of an omniscient deity could inhibit some bestial instincts. I won't. You could be burned or drowned for cooking or owning a cat, then.
My question was, or is, do societies with denser populations (i.e. modern ones) tend to care less ? Do they rely more on the state and tend to disengage themselves from the altruist process ? Are they becoming more egoistic or afraid ? Or is it just "good ole times" syndrome ?

[IrishDutchman]

My question was, or is, do societies with denser populations (i.e. modern ones) tend to care less ? Do they rely more on the state and tend to disengage themselves from the altruist process ? Are they becoming more egoistic or afraid ? Or is it just "good ole times" syndrome ?

No, not necessarily. In small communities, people seem to care more for eachother. But that is because everyone is acquainted. In cities, people seem to care less, and that is because they don't know most of the people on the street. They only really help and look after their friends and acquaintances.
So in the end urban people do care as much, but in large cities it is impossible to look out for everyone.

[Dark_Soul74]

I'm ashamed in you two. Here we have a member trying to be serious, trying to improve the state of our existence by suggesting we actually do something to help others, and here you are, half-assing answers and responding with irreverent sarcasm? What the fuck is wrong with you?
I don't respect that member, nor take his efforts seriously. Personally, however, I've given several dozens of hours to volunteering, give money whenever possible, and already do what I can to help others.

Forgive me for not making some bold and glorious statement about how one person's admittedly temporary efforts towards goodwill have changed me in some way. They haven't.

[West]

I don't like to help bums and homeless people, cause i hate beggars, and most of them should have stayed in school to get a decent job! really, it's me before others, unless they are relatives/family in need of help.

[Gunmonk]

I don't respect that member, nor take his efforts seriously.


ooh feel the burn. I'll be sure to remember that, next time I post a thread I'll be sure to make a disclaimer saying "O most holy one nearly rivaling GA in awesomeness please don't read."

Darksoul, this isn't MY effort, this is something humanity could use a little more of. And yet I get flamed? Then you go on to say "yeah I help people", How can you help people when you can't respect another person. My point was this go out there do something, you wanna make atheism be superior? Show me it works. Beliefs are useless if we don't back them up by actions thats the point, and I'm sorry you missed it.

Today is day one to help people. Lets see what YOU can do.

[Dark_Soul74]

ooh feel the burn. I'll be sure to remember that, next time I post a thread I'll be sure to make a disclaimer saying "O most holy one nearly rivaling GA in awesomeness please don't read."

Darksoul, this isn't MY effort, this is something humanity could use a little more of. And yet I get flamed? Then you go on to say "yeah I help people", How can you help people when you can't respect another person. My point was this go out there do something, you wanna make atheism be superior? Show me it works. Beliefs are useless if we don't back them up by actions thats the point, and I'm sorry you missed it.

Today is day one to help people. Lets see what YOU can do.Respecting one specific person, and respecting humanity, are entirely different things. You have a history of spam, whining, immaturity, and, as shown here, a problem with taking things personally. Why should you care whether or not I respect a person? Respect isn't something that just gets handed out, and you've done nothing to earn mine.

My effort is a constant one. Rather than believing a small act of kindness will make up for a life of inattention, I live my life to be nice. That's why it matters. That's my main issue with this thread. It seems to me as though, figuratively, you're trying to be one of those Catholics who live a life of sin, then think that an hour in the confessional will make up for it. I don't buy into that.

If you'd like to talk about helping people, make it a constant effort. You don't need to do things 24/7, but you can at least do things whenever you can, rather than waiting until you feel guilty and decide to do it for a little while. That's just foolish. Trying to tell people that they need to be nice, too, because you're suddenly guilty about being lax with the Christian principles you seem to adore, isn't really all that moving, either. Why should we change how we operate simply because you've finally realized you're not the most charitable guy? What kind of example is that?

For the record, I'm not an athiest, either.

[Gunmonk]

Respecting one specific person, and respecting humanity, are entirely different things. You have a history of spam, whining, immaturity, and, as shown here, a problem with taking things personally. Why should you care whether or not I respect a person? Respect isn't something that just gets handed out, and you've done nothing to earn mine.

My effort is a constant one. Rather than believing a small act of kindness will make up for a life of inattention, I live my life to be nice. That's why it matters. That's my main issue with this thread. It seems to me as though, figuratively, you're trying to be one of those Catholics who live a life of sin, then think that an hour in the confessional will make up for it. I don't buy into that.

If you'd like to talk about helping people, make it a constant effort. You don't need to do things 24/7, but you can at least do things whenever you can, rather than waiting until you feel guilty and decide to do it for a little while. That's just foolish. Trying to tell people that they need to be nice, too, because you're suddenly guilty about being lax with the Christian principles you seem to adore, isn't really all that moving, either. Why should we change how we operate simply because you've finally realized you're not the most charitable guy? What kind of example is that?

For the record, I'm not an athiest, either.



You my friend have a history of plagiarizing ideas, Flaming, Taking cheap shots... and yet you still troll. Quit preaching with an AK-47.

Anyways, I'm not gonna waste my time in idle speech, just merely pointing out don't profess love for your brother and strike at your fellow man. I really don't mind your childish trolling, although I do find it rather derailing.

For the record, I'm not a catholic, either.

[Dark_Soul74]

For the record, I'm not a catholic, either.That would be why I said "figuratively."

[femoimal]

guys, let's leave GOD out of this. People help others no matter what their cult is. There is no reason to believe that in an atheist world there would be more cruelty all over. It's about altruism.

Darksoul, some people want to help a bit all the time, some want to do a big thing once in a while (some do both, but i do not know any). Being sensitive to human misery is a universal feeling. The fact is that in my city, i see more and more people with ugly masks of unhappiness and despair on their faces. Those guys will not help anyone else, they have enough trouble themselves: low wages, abusive bosses, health care, education, difficulties in finding a job and sheer fear of the future and lack of security (not police one, but human one).
Fact is that with those issues become more and more acute for the exploited working class or the eternaly fucked and dwindling middle class, less and less people will want to help the others. They already have enough on their plate. And here the trend is towards the state disengaging itself more and more from health care issues and general social support.

So we pay taxes and the state cares less and less for us, urging us to use private solutions. Well, what, private companies are going to take care of us ? Their goal is to make profit and nurture their board of executives! who will care about the less-productive ones ? Look at the young Japanese and the trust and confidence crisis they go through.

Doing some good on the individual scale is necessary and intelligent policy. But it should be supplemented by the state. Democrats say they care. I hope so, but i have my doubts. The Capital is happy to have low wages and misery workers, as well as gracious "flexibility" in the workplace. Yeah, flexibility is what bosses expect of you when you are asked to bend over.

... i hell am not going to trust my health or happiness to a board of directors, they help themselves. Promoting community work and cooperation is most often just a way for the state to save money.

[Icarus]

I remember once walking on my way to best buy, when this poorly dressed, hairy, smelly person with bad breath came up to me and said something along the lines of "I'm hungry I have no home please I'd like to buy something to eat, a cheeseburger or something..." This was a few years ago. I decided to give him the money I was going to use to buy a CD, which was a 20 dollar bill. I watch him as he walked into a nearby taco bell, so i feel safe assuming he actually bought food.

Sure, the reason for someone to be homeless or hungry is mainly their fault, but If you know about economics, and history, you'll know that they have a great deal in it too. In the system which we live in today, a few unhappy people such as this are required. So, whether he would've actually bought food, or maybe cigarettes or drugs or whatever isn't important, because just giving them that chance is definitely a step forward. My CD wasn't nearly as important as whatever his needs were.

I don't know exactly what I can do now. I'm a 16 year old high school student with only a few dollars to myself. Honestly I think about it, and I really don't know what I could do to help such people now. When I grow up, i plan to make helping these people part of my career, but now... I don't know. Any suggestions?

[Sirion]

This thread caught my eye...

I have encountered this rather basic problem very often in my life time. Every time I walk through a park, through a city, go to school, it appears in front of my eye. I live in an upper class neighborhood, I go to one of the best highschools in the nation. I live in comparative bliss, with meat in every other meal and cereal for breakfast each day. Did you know cereal costs more than sirloin, pound for pound?

I am a Christian. I am borderline agnostic. I am without a denomination. I see so much hypocrisy in my church, although I see more in others. Why does our money go toward our projects? Why do we fly to Alaska or drive to Mexico when the most good could be done right around home?

And at the same time in my life, I think, do I need this computer

The iPod

The car

The LCD TV

The Xbox

The cell phone

Do I need all of that? No. All I need is my education and my food. So why do I have it? Because I'm lucky? Because I'm special? Why shouldn't I go give it all away to the next guy I see? Isn't that what Christianity preaches? Give it away? To a cause or to the poor or to my neighbors or to my friends or to the people on the street...

I saw Fight Club recently. Why don't I do what he did? Why don't I go live in a run down house? Why don't I leave everything I have behind?

Why can't I?

Religion is dead to me. Organized religion is dead. Beliefs are to the individual, we don't need someone too follow. How many times have people been scammed by churches I wonder?

If everyone cared for their neighbor, no one could be sad. Your neighbor, Jesus talks about that. Some of you may know, some may not. Some may not even care. It's not religious crap, it's not me trying to convert you. He just had somethings right.

Your neighbor is the person you live by

The person you trust

The person who works in the cubicle next to you

The person you sit next to on the bus

The person you love

The person you hate...

We're all each others neighbors. Let's be kind to one another. If we can.

[Jimmy_the_saint]

I personally go around to peoples houses evey year and collect donations for people i dont know with the red shield (Salvation Army) and I also do a door knock appeal for my church. I do this cause I feel thats what I need to do. And I also starve myself for 40 hours ach year to save some starving kids overseas.


When you help people, do you do it cause it makes you look good or because you feel thats what you need to do?

[KexMex]

I'm ashamed in you two. Here we have a member trying to be serious, trying to improve the state of our existence by suggesting we actually do something to help others, and here you are, half-assing answers and responding with irreverent sarcasm? What the fuck is wrong with you?

Plenty is wrong with me, though I was actually talking with a degree of honesty there.

[Gunmonk]

Wow, so this girls mom calls me and tells me that she needs me to talk to her daughter, its okay and all, So in a weird way this is how I'm helping at least one person. I know her problems run way deeper than what you'd ever think, but I'm determined to at least do what I can

[SilverCrusader]

Gunmonk, I salute you.

[Fenguin]

Wow, so this girls mom calls me and tells me that she needs me to talk to her daughter, its okay and all, So in a weird way this is how I'm helping at least one person. I know her problems run way deeper than what you'd ever think, but I'm determined to at least do what I can
Great job so far, but don't get yourself too involved in things beyond your control (e.g. psycho boyfriends). Next thing you know, you're lying somewhere in a dark alley in a pool of blood and you're the one who has the bruises and the cuts.

[kongurous]

Plenty is wrong with me, though I was actually talking with a degree of honesty there.

I'm going to install a "bullshit" filter in every brain so it'll block bullshit like this. If you have nothing constructive to add, don't post.

[Gunmonk]

Great job so far, but don't get yourself too involved in things beyond your control (e.g. psycho boyfriends). Next thing you know, you're lying somewhere in a dark alley in a pool of blood and you're the one who has the bruises and the cuts.

Fenguin!? Fenguin!!!!! I think you were a mod when I first joined, but thank you for the advice, She doesnt have a boyfriend, so it won't be hard to get around the entire jealousy part. I think I might be actually be able to do something good for her this time around

[Fenguin]

Fenguin!? Fenguin!!!!! I think you were a mod when I first joined, but thank you for the advice, She doesnt have a boyfriend, so it won't be hard to get around the entire jealousy part. I think I might be actually be able to do something good for her this time around
Oh man, those were the days. Although I can't abuse people's profiles anymore, I've still got the user id # to show for it. :D

[SilverCrusader]

Great job so far, but don't get yourself too involved in things beyond your control (e.g. psycho boyfriends). Next thing you know, you're lying somewhere in a dark alley in a pool of blood and you're the one who has the bruises and the cuts.
I'd rather die knowing I tried to do something than die of old age because I didn't do anything.

[Gunmonk]

So its been hard trying to find new things to help people out with, although the thing with the girl I've been talking about is going good, I think we're gonna go fishing this weekend. I dunno has anyone helped anyone else so far?

[Protosschick99]

Well its obvious that all of us have some sort of belief/belief system. I saw this point that basically said "if your beliefs are superior, then show me" in an article that I linked to, and I have made this point several times across these very boards. My question is a rather simple one of "If you believe in something... what are you going to do about it?" its not that big of a question is it?

I was at a ski retreat, and I contemplated this a very long time. What are we doing to show love, compassion, or empathy with our fellow man. I live in Houston, where there is a homeless population, but do I ever stop to even think about them? Not really is unfortunately enough my answer. The Girl I sit next to in algebra who's wrists are scarred, and her arms and shoulders bruised from a boyfriend who deserves to be killed for beating her, I want to say something... but I can't can I? I can't go on like this, I need to care. We can't go on like this, we need to care.

I think its time for a little less apathy and a little more empathy. So maybe it is time for people to actually stop and understand each other, take the time to help someone change a flat tire, give a homeless person a burger, anything helps.


What I'm going to do is this, for thirty days, I will find a new way to help someone, and actually do it.

The real question though is What ARE YOU Going To Do?

I'm glad you started this.

My bf and I have discussed doing nice things for ppl and both outcomes. The good side and the bad side.

Because my bf and I are both the kinda ppl that would go out of our way for others, we tend to get taken advantage of. Which gets us burnt out of doing nice things.

So you actually have to be careful and observe if this is something you are supposed to do or not.

Not too long ago, my bf and I walked in a CVS because we needed to get his prescription for tonsilitis. As we were walking around, we got a few other things and when we were standing in line, the cashier was saying how she really really wanted some Taco Bell but couldn't get it because her break was already over. She was working swing shift so by the time she would get there they would already be closed.

As Stephen and I got closer, I felt really compelled and in my spirit that we should go get her some food. We walked to the car and I turned to Stephen and said, "Babe, let's get her some Taco Bell."

"You were thinking that too?" He asked.

"Yeah baby, let's go ahead and see what she wants."

So we turn around and tell her our intentions. You wouldda thought that we had given her a million dollars or something, lolz :P

Well, she gave us money and we drove on down to the Taco Bell down the street and went through the drive-thru. When we got there, we ordered the food and as we got to the window, I asked for extra fire sauce for the lady because she wanted some. Let me tell you--That drive-thru cashier rolled his eyes at us in the ugliest way and sighed--Oh HECK NO! >.< He was even acting rude while speaking to us as if we were stupid or something.

Because I use to work at Taco Bell and I was pretty much a shift manager, I knew he could do better than that. I've worked until 3 in the morning before and I STILL give the customers great service.

Okay anywayz.....That got me mad. So I went and told the manager inside what I thought and he apologized to me. The drive-thru cashier even had the audacity to say crap to me to my face INSIDE the store in front of the manager.

Well, I was nice but firm and we left.

We gave the girl her Taco Bell and in the end, we got to minister to her and let her know that Jesus loves her. [She started telling us a bunch of things about her and her life and how she wishes she could just die because things are so messed up right now.] At the end of everything, the Lord spoke to Stephen and gave him a Word for this girl.

We both knew that we were supposed to get her that Taco Bell and look what happened. In the process of doing something nice, adversity comes and tries to get you mad and make you not focus on the big picture.

Just loving on others and doing a kind thing for them. What goes around comes around, and when you do something nice for someone when they are in a bind, it will come back to you :) Karma folks--The same as sowing and reaping. There are principles behind it, and I believe in it whole heartedly.

[SilverCrusader]

Well done. I commend you as well.
Although I help people all I can, I spend more time on myself... As selfish as it might seem. I aspire to reach the apex of human physical and mental skills... In other words become slightly superhuman. In doing so I wouldn't be burdened by being unable to help those around me for lack of mental or physical skills.

[masterofhobbiton]

At the end of everything, the Lord spoke to Stephen.

Woah. o_O

Does He tell you to look out for these people? Just wondering, I've never indirectly indirectly known over the internet, (er, heheh) heard of anybody (living) who says that He spoke directly to them.

[femoimal]

master, don't worry if you don't ever get that kind of message. It is generally in the shape of a Delphic apocryphal singing telegram, very hard to decipher except if you are Fred Astaire.

Is it me or that "lord" "word" is a tad medieval ? I am curious If you get a direct line to your creator for a taco, then what do you get for helping someone with terminal cancer ? A flood ? Angels descending with a thousand trumpets sounding ?
Taco proselytism. Ah, that's new. Next are the Cheeseburger Sermon and the Budweiser Baptism.

The true abnegation and altruism is helping people that will never be able to pay you back anything. That's the only thing animals do not do. Even barber fish know about altruism.

Alas, helping others is by definition very inefficient. You tend to loose most of the resources on the way, and very little is finally devoted to the target. I have a friend who stayed in Brazil for several months to help. That's the real thing. The rest is about cushioning your conscience.

[SilverCrusader]

Now, it wasn't direct speech. You know that little nagging voice in the back of your head? Yeah.

Science will never understand wisdom, so it shouldn't try. Science might say helping people gives you nothing in return... That giving freely without regret will gain you nothing. Well, it can shut the hell up quite honestly.

[masterofhobbiton]

@Femoimal, I don't think 'lord' is medieval at all; take 'landlord,' for example, a perfectly usable modern english word.

*wince* Sorry for offtopicness.

[WTyger]

And so it is written-

'For it is when we are ALONE that we are WITH the God of Heaven....'
and that ' God helps those who help Themselves.....'
but above all else ....' I alone have seen the Father'....the Lord.

-Whyte Tyger-

[Dark_Soul74]

PC99, I'm glad to see there are people who actually try to help, without having a wad of guilt clogging their concience, but do you really have to spiritualize everything? As femoimal mentioned, why would a god go out of his way to praise someone who delivered food to someone who was somewhat busy working a simple job? Although, this brings whole new meaning to Communion crackers...

Although to be honest, my issue is that you aren't forced by guilt or led by concious decision, but you (seemingly) blindly follow religion to reach that end.

[Darmago]

The person who gave me this idea called it the Jesus account, and even though I don't believe Jesus Christ was the messiah, I still call it that.

The Jesus Account it a split bank account from my own, in which I dump a certain percentage of my income. I use it to pay for things that, in my opinion, are right and good. If the account ever gets over some arbitrary point, I'll donate a large chunk of it to a charity of my choice. I specifically use the jesus account to pay for food for any homeless, Also things like help my friend get a car after he totaled his old one. I don't ask for the loaned money back in return, I ask that they do two equally nice things, and then I ask them to tell those they helped to do the same.

Plus, I've got it written that if I flunk out of college I'm going to go become a humanitarian aid worker.