Week Ten Videos - Human Relationships

             Hi, All!

            Today, we are going to be discussing the topic of human relationships and kindness toward others. After watching Paul Bloom's video where he uses evolution to explain kindness through a transactional lens. When thinking of transactional kindness, I think of birds and hippopotamus. Hippopotamus often allow some birds to eat the food in their eat to 'clean' their teeth instead of eating the bird in trade for a clean mouth. 

            I think that humans can learn a lot from these natural relationships. We don't express kindness as much these days. I think also in a video of his, he mentions that if you were from a different part of a country would also affect how one reacts to an event. I have recognized these differences in people many times throughout my life. While living in San Diego, we had a community in our neighbors and school community, but when I lived in the suburbs of Chicago, it definitely was a more secluded type of community.

            I think these differences do occur within city groups like this because of that city's culture. As individuals and groups of people have their culture, I believe and many will agree that a city has its own socially accepted culture, some which fit stereotypes and some which may not. 

            I think that some Americans do need to open their hearts to others. We are social beings who want to help those around us. I think the root of why some may not help others is caused by the bystander effect. This is a psychological phenomenon where one doesn't help someone blatantly in need of help due to thinking a third party will come and they, themselves, don't need to help them. There are people who have literally died from this. I think a start will be opening up a little to others, smiling more warmly and reaching out a hand more often. How can you be more kind?

            See you next time!

            -M