Our Nervous Society!

"Please! Don't help me."

Published on September 8, 2004 By Insightful In Current Events

No! This piece is not about terrorism from abroad. Rather, it's about the paranoia that persists and how we relate to one another here at home.

I was out riding my bike today.
(It helps with stress, the bonus is, it keeps my weight within 8 lbs. of my 21st birthday.)

Anyway, while on my ride, I came upon this young boy that had just taken a spill on his bike. He was about 12 years of age. I stopped to see if he was ok?
He said, "yeah, I'm alright."
I asked, "what happened?"
"I think my front brake locked and I flipped over", he answered.
Ouch!
The young lad was bleeding from the elbow and from one knee.

As I started to approach the boy, I could see that he was becoming nervous, so I stopped short, about 7 or 8 feet away. I took out a rag from my seat bag and threw it to him, and suggested he wipe the blood and compress the injuries.
He said, "thanks," and worked the rag on his elbow and knee.
As he was wiping and dabbing, I could see that he was beginning to relax a bit.
Never the less I kept my distance and allowed him, his "safety space." I believe that he was coming to the conclusion that I was not, an ax murderer that had sprung from some black hole.

The boy began to inspect his bike to see what the problem was, and to see if he had damaged anything during the crash.
He finally said, "my front wheel is all locked up and I can only turn the front wheel, this far, to the left.
I asked if he minded, if I took a look?
He said, "yeah sure".
I began to check for what the problem might be. Apparently the front brake cable, had wrapped around the steering shaft.
I made a quick repair and the look of relief on the boys face was worth a million dollars.

The boy gave me back the rag and said, "thanks mister", and we both continued on our separate paths.

Now, I'm aware that mothers and daddy's tell there children not to talk to strangers.
I myself, would never approach any child these days. I don't even say, "hi," when I'm out on one of my rides. But on the other hand, I'm not going to ignore one, if they are hurt.
What a shame that we have deteriorated to this mind-set.

Last year, I was taking a trip to my summer place, when I noticed this lady that appeared to be having an awful time, trying to change a tire. Being in no hurry, I pulled over to see if I might be of some assistance.
As I got out of my car to approach, I could see that she was becoming as jittery as a, cat at a dog fight.
Again I stopped short.
I asked if she needed some help?.
She was very quick to respond with, "No, I've got it."
I said, "Well ok then".
I got back in my car and drove off, but with some regret. I thought, "I could have changed that tire in 10 minutes flat, and made us both feel good, tahhboot."

Because of how times change, we were both denied of something special.

From where we've come, to where we are heading.

I can remember, cruising down the main drag in our city with a buddy riding shotgun, the car rumbling with a low roar. We might see some girls walking down the street, toot the horn and wave. If they waved back, we would pull over to the curb and they would nearly always walk up to the car. We would strike up a conversation, about nothing, and asked if they wanted to go cruising.

(Ok folks, this may not be politically correct by todays standards, but back then, we didn't have to be.)

The girls would get in the back seat, and we were off to cruise the avenue.
(Hoping to switch around the seating arrangements later.)

Can you imagine, tooting your horn today? Or try slowing down and pulling over to the curb.
BAM! The person's direction immediately changes, the cell phone comes out of it's holster like a six gun, and 911 is dialed.
They've got your license plate number and you're in big trouble.

Ever look over your shoulder when using the ATM Machine? Do you look to see if any suspicious cars are around?
Do you experience a short bit of anxiety when using your credit card on the internet?

Caution! Caution Caution! The signs and signals are everywhere.

The bad guys are taking away our sense of security and robbing us of more then our valuables and money.

I've given but two examples here of, how nervous our society has become. One young boy allowed me to help him.
The woman with the tire problem declined.

All that I can do is to keep trying. However, I can understand their trepidation.
.............and what a shame.

(DISCLAIMER)
I live in a large metropolitan area. I'm not sure if this content applies to rural towns or the, vast,
open country of some of the western states.

Just trying to make our world a better place.

Comments

Insightful

on Sep 09, 2004

Did I produce this "Post" at a bad time?

Covert II

on Sep 09, 2004

It's nice to know that there are still some good Samaritans out there.

Wow! Never thought of it in those terms before. But yes, we do seem to becoming more insulated and estranged from one another these days.

It must of been nice to just drive down the road and pick up a couple of chicks ah?

Sally jacobs

on Sep 09, 2004

That was an excellent article. it is a real shame that people have become so nervous about things, and the lack of trust in strangers is such a sad thing to lose, because we miss out on the good things that come from it. Speaking as a young woman, i can say I do get nervous though. even when walking down the street, and a man is walking behind me, and no one else is about, I get nervous. It's not right, and I shouldn't, but it is drilled into us, to be careful and aware, and it's taken something special away, and I fear we will never get it back. Though I do think good will always win in the end. Keep trying, because with people like you about there is always hope. You got my insightful

Insightful

on Sep 09, 2004

Covert II

Thanks for the nice words.
But be careful though as the word, (chicks) is not politically correct in todays world.

But please, should you come across someone that looks like they could use a bit of help, never be afraid to offer your assistance. They may say, No! But then again,...............

However, understand that I am not suggesting that we walk into the line of fire. We don't need to lose any of the "good guys".

Insightful

on Sep 09, 2004

Sally Jacobs

Yes, I can appreciate your concern with, walking down a street alone, with a man, that merely happens to be going in the same direction.
I've been that man at one time or another. I've crosssed the street, just to relieve a womans stress factor when I sense worry.

Caution! Caution! Caution!
.......and that goes double for woman.

Honestly! I wish that I could put all this, craziness, back in it's box and, then burn it, then take the ashes and drown them in the ocean.

You have a great day........and be safe.

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