Question

Perform 3 random acts of kindness (altruism) – these acts should ideally be unplanned (random) and can vary from small to large depending on the situation. Describe the 3 acts you performed – what did you do, what were the reactions of the recipient if any, and share your thoughts and reactions to your actions. Describe a time where you were the victim of prejudice or discrimination (can be based on your age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religious affiliation, level of ability, or other). Briefly share what happened and your reactions. What are some strategies that people can employ to help reduce prejudice and discrimination?

Answer 1

3 random acts of kindness that I performed are:

1. A colleague of mine was going through extreme financial scarcity toan extent where she didn't even have money to come to work the next day. Not once however, did she ask me or any one else for help. I had been noticing for a couple of days that she skipped all meal times and started losing weight, leading me to believe that she didnt have the money to be able to buy food either. I had a little bit of money saved up, and it suddenly struck me that this would probably be the best way to use that, even though I was sure that I wasn't going to get it back. I withdrew the money and gave it to her, and the expression on her face is still one that I cannot forget. She said that it was more than enough to get her by till she got paid next and she'd definitely return it, which she dIid. I remember feeling quite proud of myself for that action, because I realised that generosity is not something that you learn or teach, it comes from within, and should not be something that you think or brag about.

2. I was once doing some freelancing work whic required me to invigilate a certain test. I noticed my fellow invigilator was quite unwell and she looked pale, but couldnt leave to go home either as I was fairly new and had to be guided. I offered to go out and get her some medicines as that was the least I could do. When I met her some time later, she thanked me and said that they really did help her. This act was rather small and hasn't been something that I've thought of since, and her reaction wasnt one that was extreme either. However, I feel that being able to offer one help is something that goes a long way.

3. On the street, while I was getting myself some breakfast, I noticed a really old lady, along with a boy who possibly suffered from down syndrome were walking and asking people for money. I remembered readig somewhere that giving beggars or the poor money does not necessarily help them as they often dont get to keep it, or use it for other purposes. So I went ahead and bought a few bananas and a drink as it was really hot that morning, and put it in a bag along with some money and handed it to her. She took without hestitation but also in a way that for some readon felt like she was used to this and received bigger things quite regularly. I figured that they probably do, and are used to handouts.