If you were to suffer a nasty fall, would anyone today help you up?

by Damien F. Mackey “How hard is it to ask someone if they are OK, or offer a hand to help them up? It takes less than 30 seconds. Are we all so consumed with our own selves that we can’t spare that time to help someone in need”. Madeline Crittenden Here are two diametrically opposed reactions to individuals experiencing nasty, embarrassing falls in Sydney (Australia). Case One: A well-appointed young businessman in a suit and carrying a brief case came a cropper on his way down the stairs at Central Station. He hit the ground rather hard and his case, mobile phone, keys, etc., all went flying. Immediately (no exaggeration) three to four people rushed towards him and gathered up his belongings, while he - thankfully not too much the worse for wear - began dusting himself off. Did those three or four intend to rob him? No, they were there only to help. And he was soon on his way again. Case Two: Same city (Sydney, Australia) as Case One. A totally opposite response. Has the obsession with mobile phones and like devices begun turning people into brain-dead zombies with psychopathic tendencies? Apparently a psychopath can be one who, when on the way up the road to buy, say, ice cream or French fries, will casually walk past a terrible accident scene without a pause, or hint of compassion, and, with the mind focussed entirely on the food store, continue his/her march down the street. Quite the opposite of the Good Samaritan, but channelling the Rich Man who totally ignored poor Lazarus. And we know to where that leads! Anyway, let Madeline Crittenden tell the story (Sunday Telegraph, 5th October, 2025, Opinion 103): Decency down for count The disintegration of society is no more evident than on George St at 2.30pm on Sunday. The scene. A young, obviously pregnant woman is making her way to the light rail. Handbag in one hand, a delicious selection of Mr Wong leftovers in the other. The incessant construction works taking place along the strip of shops and restaurants are a clear winner when up against a stiletto sandal and a pregnant waddle. The stiletto is captured in a divot in the footpath and the woman is no longer upright. Instead, she is sprawled on the busy sidewalk – her handbag metres ahead to the left, the doggy bag, mercifully saved, in her iron grip. Pride nowhere to be seen, however, the expectation of a helping hand ever present. Instead, hordes of people begin to step over her. How do I know this tale of woe? I am the woman. As I lay splayed upon the ground, my new pants shredded at the knee with the skin beneath them gently bleeding I tried to get up but I am now carrying a lot more weight and I was very clearly struggling. The hoped-for helping hand was not forthcoming. Instead, I yell: “I am pregnant, what is wrong with you people?” as they avoid eye contact and continue their march down the street. It was only when he heard this that a man, clearly a rough sleeper, leapt to my aid, helped me up and said, “S…, you’re pregnant, luv? Do you need an ambulance?” I politely declined the ambulance and asked him just to help me up. Still, no one else offered to step in, my bag still metres ahead. My phone even further. …. Since when has it become common practice not to have a skerrick of human decency and avert one’s eyes when someone is in need. How hard is it to ask someone if they are OK, or offer a hand to help them up? It takes less than 30 seconds. Are we all so consumed with our own selves that we can’t spare that time to help someone in need. When did society become so fractured, so self-centred that we lost the compassionate part of our personalities. …..