We often always automatically
associate helping to be right. But there are also wrong reasons to help others.
Portraying a Good Image
In Filipino, we call it “pakitang
tao” or the portrayal of a good image through the pretense of extending
assistance. A perfect example of this is evident in government officials. Although
it’s quite judgmental to say that politicians aid people for the sake of image,
you can’t blame constituents for thinking so, most especially because of
timing. If they were very helpful during election campaign period but were no
longer found after winning, then that’s more than enough reason to question
their motive.
Again, as I’ve mentioned in the
previous post - Donate or Volunteer for Weather Disaster Relief Operations,
former Sen. Dick Gordon’s participation in Red Cross rescue and relief missions
this past typhoon Maring and SW monsoon onslaught is commendable. He is readily
available to help although he wasn’t elected into office.
Expectations in Return
Admittedly, we sometimes help while
expecting something in return like a favor or to be able to seek assistance too
in case we need it in the future. It is nobler to pay it forward instead. We
help out because we’ve experienced assistance from someone else too so we’re
helping others in the same way we have been assisted in the past.
Superiority Complex
Sometimes there is a sense of
pride in when helping people. Egotistically, you feel more superior to others
and look down on them as if they’re inferior because they need your help.
Inferiority Complex
This is the exact opposite of
the previous reason. Some are forced to help because they were intimidated. Any
form of intimidation is included. Help seekers can be angry and lash at you or
make you look evil for not helping.
What’s even sadder is when you
can’t even help yourself and yet you have to help another.
Because it Feels Good
Many are helpful because it
feels good. But believe it or not, it’s actually selfish in a sense. The “feel
good” feeling you get afterwards benefits you psychologically. Hence, it’s
about what you feel; it’s about you.
I like how GMA Sagip Kapamilya
says it in their donation invitation poster; “not just because it feels good
but because we should.”
Help is not always equated with
anything monetary in nature. Volunteering to repackage relief goods will also
do. So extend assistance in any way you can and don’t be discouraged to help
amidst the 10 billion peso pork barrel fund scam issue.
Anyone can be disheartened
knowing that funds which would have been better off utilized to prevent floods
were spent elsewhere. Hello Napoles family, particularly Jeane Napoles and her
lavish lifestyle in the U.S. ;) Apparently, she owns a Ritz Carlton residence,
a Porshe Boxster, and countless signature shoes and clothing. Not to mention
her extravagant birthday party. There goes your taxes everyone.
Whether right or wrong, it’s
always a must to help.
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