Have we become desensitised?

What happens when we see a situation but do not react in a positive, helpful manner? Is it because we have become desensitised?

This is something I experienced when at the first Abhyas Varg last weekend. The story written by Ursula LeGuin is one that evokes great feeling and imagery and makes us to question deeply our personal morality. "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" is a short story that allows us to feel changing emotions because of the twist. It starts off as a wonderfully described city, with bright colours and happy feelings, but as we read on we are told there is one child who suffers to ensure the happiness of others. The citizens have taken it upon themselves to visit and see this child and witness the squalor is lives in. Some feel anger, others feel sympathetic and there are the few who carry on with life as though they have not seen anything. Is this because they are now desensitised to the situation? There are very few who are unable to handle knowing something that terrible is happening but rather than finding a solution to change it, they simply walk away, leaving behind society and family, walking away alone. But then is it any less immoral to walk away, despite knowing this continued evil is occurring?

We were questioned on what we would do if we were in the position of knowing what is happening. Part of me feels as though I would like to think I would be able to walk away, but the pulling answer for me seems to be I would stay in the town, continuing to live my life despite knowing this terrible deed is happening. 

I think this is because we, as society, have become desensitised to what is happening in the world. There are millions of children living in poverty and squalor, yet there are only a few who try and take some sort of action. Many people witness crimes and other situations in the world but find themselves walking past as if nothing is happening. Why have we become like this? Is it because we feel as though change is not possible? Is it because as individuals we feel as though one person trying to help will not be enough? Is it down to the fact our personal moral conviction is not as strong as it used to be or is it because the media has played such a large part in our lives that after witnessing so much of this on screens and in newspapers, we feel no pulling desire to help where possible?

I feel as though we can no longer feel as empathetic or sympathetic in today’s world compared to 50 years ago because of the development of the media. Moral code and moral conviction are always going to pull on our conscience, but are they really as strong now than in past generations?

When are we going to start doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do, not because there is a hidden agenda involved in doing the deed or because there is some personal gain to be received? Maybe it is time for us to take a step back and think deeper when certain situations arise and push forward to do the right things when we can rather than turn a blind eye or make a half hearted effort.

Next time you have a few minutes, try and have a read of this story and you’ll understand what this blog post is about.