"Not My Business"

It's probably your business lol. 🌚

Dear reader🥀,

Why don't you give alms to the beggars on the streets? Why don't you donate money for the sick? Or why don't you give to orphanage homes? Have you really searched deep down for the exact reason? It's not necessarily bad not to, but what's your reason? Some people give to inflate their ego and feel good about themselves, but you have other means of doing that, yes? Or do you analyse the cost-benefit of giving? It's totally understandable to do so. I mean, if I'm under the rain and I have to give my last Naira to a starving person I'm gonna really have to think about it. 🥴 So I'm not judging, but what's your reason? There's a psychological undertone to everything, I believe, and I'm here to get to it! 😁

Have you heard of the bystander effect? Psychological research indicates that people are much less helpful towards others in a group, compared to helping when alone. For example, if you watched the news about an earthquake that killed thousands, you sure might be sympathetic and even pray for the victims, but you won't dial that number to ask how you may serve. But if you saw a man laying on the street, your conscience would be provoked to rush and take him to the hospital, even pay his bills. Just like the good Samaritan.

I'd like you to read Niyi Osundare’s poem, Not My Business, below. This topic was inspired by it:

I love Osundare’s poem - it just sort of hits with each stanza. Don't help, don't try, don't do anything. It could as well be you someday. Wouldn't you like someone to be your saviour if it so happened like that? It may not be something as serious as being kidnapped or whatnot. It could just be offering to teach a colleague or giving bread to the hungry.

There are cases where individuals may feel insecure around or threatened by the person who needs help, or feel that they are not personally inclined to provide help - It's not like it’s any of their business. 🌝 In these cases, individuals are more likely to withdraw a helping hand.

Like Osundare’s poem, as long as you're not hurt, whatever happens to others does not concern you. A lot of people are like this. Selfish and uncaring. And as we see at the end of the poem, it is his turn to be stuffed down the belly of a silent waiting jeep. Yes, he may not be able to do anything to help, but the fact that he really isn't concerned is the main problem.

However, there's a thin line between being unhelpful and being wise. In wisdom, you may want to take your time before you take an action, or logic (and/or intuition) might tell you you're about to be defrauded. Too many stories like that. 😥 But hey, we should keep up the good work and be ourselves. Karma is bae. Sometimes.

I sure hope you read (could be read as read or read 😁) this with your heart and not just with the voice in your head. I don't mean to sound like them pentecostal preachers or anything, but -

May your helper locate you this week,

Cheers! 🥂😉