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Keep human interaction strong

Feb. 3, 2009

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that there is a law of nature about happiness, freedom and peace of mind -- the three things humans crave most. He said they are received solely by giving them to someone else. In America's current situation, the exchange of these cravings is nearly non-existent.

As I was traveling over Christmas break throughout New York City I was confronted by unique Northern hospitality. I went a few days without noticing the contrast between the North and the South. But I finally stumbled upon the impolite society and was taken aback. I wasn't in Texas anymore; people didn't care if you held a door or thanked someone for a service. Northerners acted as though those that were serving others were invisible. As if to say, "That is what they are paid to do? Why thank them?"

I didn't want to pass up this time in the North to truly examine why the boorish etiquette existed. I finally encountered a man in a subway train playing the bongos for a living. He seemed to break the mold of a New Yorker -- he had a smile. He began to tell the occupants of the train that his short "act" was his only source of income for his family. Everyone in the train immediately tried to occupy themselves in order to avoid the awkward, yet talented entertainer.

That is the moment I realized I was in New York City at the wrong time to judge the kindness that surrounded me. It didn't matter whether I went to northern Idaho or southern Mississippi. Due to economic turmoil and financial turning points, most people are thinking one thing: Who has time to care?

Despite fiscal fretting and presidential pessimism, we are still one group of people. Fake smiles and limp handshakes are separating political and socio-economic groups from embracing each other in these times of crises. If all man-made stock markets and financial systems are failing, the one system that should stay strong is that of human interaction. It seems as though right instep with the failing economy, people are ceasing to extend a helping hand.

As self-sufficiency becomes more important in this day and age, charity too, diminishes. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, foundations have lost an average of 30 percent of their assets due to the sink in the stock market. Charities are suffering just as much as families, though if charities suffer then multiple families suffer. Outrageous donations aren't needed from everyone.

Arthur C. Brooks, author of "Who Really Cares," says giving actually benefits the economy. His reports showed that in America, $1 given privately will tend to increase gross domestic product by $15. He also found that the most generous group of people in America is the low-income working families. They give away approximately 4.5 percent of their income.

Despite the financial aspects of charity, I realized another truth as I walked away from a conversation with a random woman walking her dog. Her salutations were nice, her conversation wasn't trite. She seemed to care. These small acts of pure kindness can make someone's world better. It reveals the hope of humanity in a very basic manner. Without the opening of a wallet or the sacrifice of personal comfort everyone can still contribute to the well-being of our country in these dismal times. Smile, laugh, encourage -- care.

Nick Dean is a freshman professional writing and journalism major from Taylor and is a sports writer for The Baylor Lariat.

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