Anti-Social society?
Tacitus talks of the culture of Germanic Tribes ;
The host welcomes his guest with the best meal that his means allow. When he has finished entertaining him, the host undertakes a fresh role; he accompanies the guest to the nearest house where further hospitality can be had. It makes no difference that they come uninvited; they are welcomed just as warmly. No distinction is ever made between acquaintance and stranger as far as the right to hospitality is concerned. As the guest takes his leave, it is customary to let him have anything he asks for; and hist host, with as little hesitation will ask for a gift in return.
This got me thinking.
My question is two-fold;
1) If a man knocks on your door right now asking if you can feed him what would you do?
2) Would you agree the most human beings are anti-social and why?
Personally, if someone knocked on my door right now and wanted food I'd like to think I'd give them something - but I'd be very cautious about letting them into my home.
I think most human beings are anti-social and I've thought for a long time this is most likely due to the media - you wake up tomorrow and Sky News will be blasting out stories like MAN STABBED TO DEATH - You'll get in your car, turn the radio on and hear about how car-jackings in the area are on the increase, and when you read the paper on your lunch break you'll read about how more and more people are having their identity stolen.
The news constantly tells you about all these bad, evil, and wicked deeds people do and as such - we are afraid of each other.
Whenever for one reason or another I've had cause to be out in public in my army gear I can't help but notice people are friendly to me - obviously viewing me as an authority figure. I get people asking me questions; what's the time? Where is XYZ? People smile at me - I even had an old lady offer me a cookie at the bus stop. If I ask people questions or start a conversation people are friendly and happy to talk to me.
But when I change into my normal clothes it's different - only rarely will someone ask me a question - people don't smile - people don't make eye contact - people don't want to talk - people just want to be left alone - people seem to be afraid of me - yet I wouldn't dream of hurting any of them. If I ask people questions they seem often to just want to answer the question as quickly as thye can and get away.
Do we as a society have a duty to be nice to each other? Or is this whole "leave me alone - I don't trust you" attitude acceptable?
/discuss!
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Originally Posted by jankren
