Human beings depend on one another for survival. I don't mean that we are completely dependent on one another, but to a considerable extent, we need each other to survive. When babies are born, they depend almost entirely on their mothers for care, tender care and protection. As we grow, that dependence changes. We need friends, classmates, colleagues, family members, and even strangers at different stages of our lives. Because truly, no man is an island. There is also a popular saying: “Your neighbour is the God you see on earth.” Whether or not we understand this statement, it reminds us that sometimes the help we need comes through another person. Because God won't come down from heaven to help us, but will through a fellow human being. At different points in our lives, we will need help, no matter how little. And at other times, we will be in a position to offer that help to someone else.
Then this ushers us to the topic; when did helping people become a performance? We live in an era where almost everything can be recorded, displayed, and even monetized. People step in to help others, and the act is immediately captured on camera and shared online. There is nothing wrong with documenting an act of kindness, especially when it will inspires others to do the same. But what becomes the real problem is when the camera becomes the reason for the kindness. Some acts of kindness seem to exist only when there is an audience. In front of the camera, someone may appear exceptionally compassionate, generous, and caring. But away from the camera, that same person may be completely different from the image they portray. Being kind is good. In fact, kindness should be encouraged. But when kindness is done primarily to gain public recognition, recommendations, followers, praise, or some other reward, then I begin to question whether it is still kindness or simply a transaction. If I help you because I want people to see me as a good person, then my help comes with an expectation. I am giving something, but I am also expecting something in return. And perhaps the real test of kindness is not what we do when everyone is watching, but what we are willing to do when nobody is watching
We are encouraged to ask ourselves these questions.
Would I still help if there were no camera?
Would I still give if nobody would praise you?
Would I still show compassion if nobody would ever know?
I believe genuine kindness should come from the heart. Whether there is a camera present or not, whether someone will praise us or not, whether we will gain anything from it or not let kindness simply not be a performance but who we truly are.
Thank you dear readers!!!!
Image generated using meta AI
Thank you for engaging with my post! You can follow me @cecilia1 to stay updated on my future posts.”