What Makes Americans One of The Most Kind-Hearted People In The World?
The Kindness of Americans: Unraveling The Empathetic American and The Reasons Behind the Acts of Compassion. Or a lack thereof.
When it comes to discussing the kindness of a people or a nation, the United States often finds itself in the spotlight. America is loved as much as it is hated. Despite the wars and the indiscriminate bombings, America is also known for its generosity, diverse population, and cultural tapestry, coupled with acts of compassion, America has earned a reputation as a country with kind-hearted citizens who are also quick to extend a helping hand. What are the reasons why Americans are considered among the most empathetic people in the world? Here are some underlying factors and a few subtle examples of their acts of generosity.
Empathy -
The difference between having empathy and not having it is when you see an injured person on the street alone. Do you choose to stop and help or do you choose to walk away?
I’m the most unempathetic person that I have ever met! But I’m trying to change. And you’re probably a little better than me, which then sums up most of this mankind on empathy.
God and The Injeel - The Good News
This is how Linda Freeman of Dale City in Virginia summarized it, “ As children we were brought up on the teachings of the Gospels, the Bible and followed what Jesus preached, acts of compassion, empathy and mercy.” Linda says, “Now we have forgotten those teachings and the empathy is fading away because the faith in God is gone and thus the compassion is being lost with it”.
What Linda is saying is that without God and His fear, you can’t really be empathetic.
When a pilot drops an atomic bomb on civilians - or when a police officer shoots and kills an unarmed man - or when a state prosecutor with malicious intent, destroys the life of an innocent man - or when a judge withholds evidence - or an army officer, opens fire at unarmed, poor civilians - or when a drone operator presses the kill button - or when the CIA torture detainees - or when the FBI traps innocent citizens for political gains - or when a congressman steals from his own voters - or when a president steals from his own country - or when a priest molests little children - or when a nurse or a doctor overdoses an aging Alzheimers patient at a hospice - or when a spouse kills another for insurance money - Where is the compassion and empathy in all of that?
If I take a step back and try to understand what was done to the blacks and the Native American Indians in their own home, then any righteous acts of faith seem to be missing.
But why would one blame, a lonesome old dairy farmer, for the crimes of his government?
A long time ago, I grew up on the streets of Karachi Pakistan until my late teens in the 80s, then in the Philippines during the 90s, and then grew old in America in the 2000s. I have traveled the world by the grace of God and lived in different places, immigrated to a couple of them, and seen many different kinds of people. But there was always something unusual about the American - that rang a bell. An American always seemed different from the rest. In the earlier decades, there was something in their tone that resonated with humility.
An American had a strong faith in God, and was truthful, he would do what is right, be fair, uphold justice, and work at something simple but in a cool way, he seemed to make difficult things look easy, he took care of his family and responsibilities, then he dies and goes back.
But that was the storyline of Little House On the Prairie. The hit tv show from the 80s. Then the farmer packed up, shot himself in the foot, and moved to New York City.
What America Was. What America Is. And What It Can Be -
As a kid, I always wanted to be in America but I never tried despite having family here and chose to see other parts of this earth of the God. It turned out to be a good move for me because it shows you things you cannot learn at Ivy League schools, at home, or in any state or corporate glass office. But God knew I liked America so much. So I ended up in America by an act of God and with an invitation. My family and I went through all the legal processes and put time and effort into the system as immigrants. But it was only after I became a citizen and finally left the federal government I saw the other side of America - beyond the 30-year mortgaged white picket fence - only after being free, I could see the real America and what’s really going on here. The rest of America is busy living, while the remaining try to live in either corporate or federal America. That does not resemble the actual America that was founded as a Republic.
I did find kind-hearted people around the world and in my birth country but the kind of people I have met in my adopted country, I have yet to come across anywhere else in the world. Many might disagree with me, but that’s my experience and I can only tell you about what I experienced not what others have gone through or think or say.
Little things make a big difference, and they add up, small gestures like holding the door for the person right behind you, or a sincerely welcoming smile from a complete stranger, a truthfully happy tone in the voice when meeting you, or a genuine concern for the other during conversations, that says it all. Not office water cooler talk. But talking sincerely.
When I think about kind-hearted Americans, I can recall some names that I may not forget. Individuals like Brian Silver from Washington D.C. Married couples like Jack and Anne Lazor from Westfield Vermont. Family women like Joy Alexander from Amelia Virginia. People like Linda Freeman, of Dale City Virginia. Complete strangers and yet not at all. And I’m a brown-skinned guy. Without ignoring the few kind-hearted people I met in the Philippines and even fewer kind-hearted people that I met in Pakistan, the Middle East or Asia, or Europe - the way an American would jump to help a stranger in trouble, or any injured person or animal, is probably unmatched by anything I have seen, so far.
The Great, Great, Great Spoiled And Orphaned Grandchild -
Data and society, to be politically correct, might say that it’s because America is a giant melting pot of different cultures. But I left politics in 2015 when I left the U.S. government, so I would argue that America has been like that since long before. One of the reasons for this is that early on Americans saw hardships, struggle, poverty, hunger, wars, and strife. It humbles you, and so they grew wise and thankful to God for what He bestowed upon them.
My mother was married to a former U.S. Marine who spent sweat and blood in Vietnam, in Korea, and in Japan and probably regretted it a lot in his last days on this earth. He was half black, half Cherokee Indian, with a little bit of Irish in him. The stories he shared about how these guys survived in the past are gut-wrenching. Today, this generation of America is the great, great, great orphaned, and abandoned grandchild with unlimited inheritance to self-destruct with. This has turned that grandkid into a deviant spoiled brat who has absolutely no idea of the struggles and pains his ancestors went through to be able to give him a country where he could stand free and say what he feels. Even if he’s completely wrong. And like a fool, doesn’t want to change.
And here, I’m not talking about the government of America, I’m talking about most of its people. Not federal workers - not the capitalists - not Hollywood - not the military - not even the entire United States Federal government - because that’s just a tiny fraction of the entire America, maybe under 25 million or so. Assuming that all of the above can get fully vanquished by an act of God overcoming them, because of their own crimes, then there would still be plenty of empathetic Americans left to rebuild America, maybe for the better.
In this article, I would specifically talk about those 150 million Americans that make America run, the ones you don’t see or hear about on mainstream legacy tv or radio - the backcountry - the rest of America - the other half of the continent - because they don’t care about the GDP nor the divisive duopoly politics in Washington D.C or in any other state. They are busy being kind, generous, helpful, empathetic, hard-working, and raising their families with morals and values on God-given lands. News networks don’t like to go there nor does wifi.
The Bias in Media Is Evident -
When you read or see the news, you may have noticed how the state or the U.S. government is always after someone or the other in America or outside, stoking fears, and acting like the pharaohs, while the empathetic American is far away from the noise. That’s the rest of America out of the 350 million. You can’t lump these two separate worlds together except in a facade or with built-in prejudice.
Is America a classist and racist society? Ask yourself truthfully- Which nation on this earth is not racist or classist? You would want to be with your own kind of people, that’s simply normal. And yet so-called liberal America mocks their own so-called white redneck Americans when these rednecks are the first ones to reach out and offer help when the rest of the other races would give up on you.
If more than 40% of blacks in America think issues of race in America will not change then you cannot ignore the fact that more than 40% of Blacks also think that race-related issues in America can improve. That happens only in America. But the news media sensationalizes one-sided biases and feeds on your frenzy, the bad, the false-positive, the negative, click-baiting you and watching you fall for it. Google it after reading this article.
A black or white or brown American, as long as they have some notion of fear of God inside them, will be an empathetic person. The ratio of how empathetic that person will be is based on the individual or collective circumstances of the people of that race and can vary.
If you have no faith, or you‘re a so-called atheist, or have no fear of God, then you will have no empathy. You can disagree but that won’t change anything until you do. Until then you remain a riff-raff, whoever you are or wherever you may be. I learned this after meeting the most empathetic person I have ever met on this earth, Asad Sirohey of Ontario Canada.
Besides the decades-old examples of real-life empathetic Americans and Canadians, there are other contributing factors that configure how most North Americans treat each other.
A Melting Pot of Many Things -
One of the defining characteristics of the United States is its status as a cultural melting pot. The nation's population comprises individuals from various ethnic backgrounds and traditions. This diversity fosters an environment where empathy and understanding flourish. Americans are exposed to a wide array of perspectives, leading to increased tolerance and compassion for others, regardless of their differences.
Volunteerism and Philanthropy:
Americans have a long-standing tradition of volunteerism and philanthropy. The willingness to dedicate time and resources to help others in need is deeply ingrained in American society. Numerous organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Peace Corps, covert intelligence semblances or not, embody this act of giving and work tirelessly to uplift communities both domestically and globally.
For example, during times of crisis, such as natural disasters, Americans often unite to provide aid and support. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, countless individuals volunteered their time and donated supplies to help affected communities rebuild their lives. Similarly, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans rallied together to provide food, healthcare, and financial assistance to those most affected by the crisis.
Empathy and Parity:
In America, the concept of empathy and parity play a vital role in fostering kindness. Americans are known for their belief in justice, fairness, and equal opportunities. This commitment to social justice encourages acts of compassion and drives citizens to fight for the rights and well-being of others, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged.
Notable examples include the civil rights movement of the 1960s, spearheaded by influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. or like the white Southerners who fought segregation in America. Together, the blacks and the whites, with their collective unwavering dedication to fairness and justice, encouraged a generation of Americans to stand up against racial discrimination and fight for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.
Community Support and Engagement:
American communities, both large and small, place a strong emphasis on support and engagement. From neighborhood watch programs to local food banks to farmers’ markets and skill development workshops, to homeless shelters, Americans actively participate in initiatives that promote the well-being of their communities. This sense of communal responsibility nurtures kindness, as individuals recognize the importance of looking out for one another and lending a helping hand when needed.
For instance, in the aftermath of the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, the community came together to rebuild the city. Countless volunteers, both local and from across the country, worked tirelessly to restore homes, schools, and businesses. This collective effort not only demonstrated the resilience of Americans but also highlighted the profound compassion Americans feel for their fellow citizens.
The reputation of Americans as one of the most kind-hearted people in the world stems from a combination of cultural diversity, a strong tradition of volunteerism and philanthropy, a nature of empathy and parity, and a commitment to community support. Through their actions and endeavors, Americans continuously demonstrate compassion for others, showcasing the power of unity and goodwill.
Any black or white or brown person in America, has a far better chance of making it, compared to being in any other part of the world today.
While no nation is free from shortcomings, the kindness displayed by Americans serves as a reminder of the potential for compassion that lies within each individual. By recognizing and emulating these acts of kindheartedness, people from all corners of the world can strive to create more compassionate and caring communities.
Are The American People Different From The American Government. How Is That And What Makes This Statement True?
The statement that the American people are different from the American government holds a lot of truth, as there are distinct differences between the two entities. While the American government represents the collective decisions and actions of elected or selected officials, the American people encompass the diverse population of individuals who make up the entire country. Understanding the nuances of this relationship is crucial to comprehending the complexities of American society. Here are some factors that support the notion of a distinction between the American people and their government:
Diverse Perspectives and Beliefs:
The United States is renowned for its diversity, with people from various ethnic, cultural, and ideological backgrounds coexisting within its borders. This diversity means that the American people hold a wide range of perspectives and beliefs. Individuals may align themselves with different political parties, have varying opinions on government policies, and prioritize different issues. This diversity of opinion and values is not always perfectly represented by the government, which is subject to its own dynamics and limitations.
Political Polarization:
American politics has become increasingly polarized in recent years. This divide often extends beyond the government and permeates society, leading to differences in opinion and attitudes among the American people themselves. Political polarization can create a gap between the views and priorities of the government and those of the citizens. It is not uncommon for individuals to feel disconnected from the policies and actions of the government, as they may not fully align with their personal beliefs or values. As the former Mayor of New York City, John Lindsay stated in 1969 - "We cannot rest content with the charge from Washington that this peaceful protest is unpatriotic. The fact is that this dissent is the highest form of patriotism."
Citizen Engagement and Activism:
The American people have a long history of civic engagement and activism. Citizens frequently express their concerns, advocate for change, and hold the government accountable through various means, such as peaceful protests, grassroots movements, and public discourse. These efforts highlight the fact that the American people can actively challenge and question the decisions and actions of their government, demonstrating a degree of independence from the political establishment.
Local and State Autonomy:
The United States is a federal system, where power is divided between the federal government and individual states. This distribution of authority allows states to implement policies that reflect the needs and values of their residents. Consequently, state-level laws and initiatives can sometimes differ significantly from federal policies. This further emphasizes the distinction between the American people and the federal government, as state-level decision-making may better reflect the desires of local communities.
Electoral System and Representation:
The American government operates through a representative democracy, where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people. However, critics argue that the government may not always accurately represent the will of the majority. Factors such as gerrymandering, campaign financing, and voter suppression have been subjects of concern, as they can potentially undermine the democratic process and limit the influence of individual citizens.
While the American people and the American government are intrinsically linked, they are distinct entities with their own dynamics and characteristics. The diversity of perspectives, political polarization, citizen engagement, local autonomy, and the electoral system all contribute to the notion that the American people can be different from the government that represents them. Recognizing and understanding this distinction is crucial in assessing the complexities of American society and the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Why It Is Critical Not To Mix The American People With Actions Of The American Government Because The Two Could Be On The Opposite Sides Of The Issue And Not Necessarily Agree With Each Other In All Aspects Of Governance.
It is crucial to avoid conflating the American people with the actions of the American government because the two can very often have differing opinions and perspectives on various aspects of governance. Lumping the two together is stoking the same old fears that authoritarian regimes of the world tend to use against their own people - scaring them into believing they are hated and the boogie-man is coming to get them - so let us protect you - give us your money - we will build weapons of mass destruction to destroy each other -
Americans differ as much as the over 48% of America that voted in favor of Al Gore in the 2000 U.S. presidential election/selection against George W. Bush who received close to 48%. And just over 111 million Americans voted in 2000. Where was the rest of America?
Here are several reasons why it is essential to recognize the potential divergence:
Individuality and Diversity: The American people encompass a diverse range of backgrounds, beliefs, and values. It is unrealistic to assume that all Americans hold the same viewpoints or agree with every decision made by the government. Each person has their own unique experiences and perspectives, which can lead to a wide array of opinions and stances on political matters. Recognizing this diversity is essential to fostering a nuanced understanding of the American populace.
“Democratic” Representation: The American government is designed to be representative, where elected officials are chosen to make decisions on behalf of the people. However, most governments cannot perfectly capture the complexity and diversity of individual opinions within a nation. Elections can be influenced by various factors, and political parties may not fully align with the beliefs of every individual. Consequently, the actions of the government may not always reflect the will or desires of all Americans.
Public Dissent and Activism: Throughout American history, citizens have demonstrated their ability to voice dissent and challenge government actions. Protests, grassroots movements, and advocacy efforts highlight the existence of a vibrant civil society that can hold the government accountable. These actions demonstrate that the American people have the capacity to disagree with and challenge the decisions made by their government, further emphasizing the distinction between the two.
Evolving Political Landscape: Political opinions and priorities can change over time. What may be considered a majority viewpoint at one point in time may shift in the future. As societal attitudes evolve, the government may lag behind in representing the changing perspectives of the American people. This disparity underscores the need to separate the actions of the government from the beliefs and values of the populace.
International Perspective: Recognizing the distinction between the American people and the American government is also essential for international relations. It is unfair to judge an entire population based on the policies or actions of their government. By understanding that the views and actions of the government do not necessarily represent the entire American population, it promotes more accurate and constructive dialogue between nations.
It is necessary to avoid conflating the American people with the actions of the American government. Doing so recognizes the diversity of opinions, the capacity for dissent, the limitations of representation, and the evolving nature of political attitudes. By acknowledging this distinction, we can foster real discussions, promote understanding, and work towards constructive solutions that benefit both the American people and the world.
What Would Be The Answer To Those Critics Who Say That Americans Are Not Empathetic Or Kind Hearted People Because They Support The Wrong National And Foreign Policies Of Their Government?
When addressing critics who argue that most Americans are not empathetic or kind-hearted people because they support certain national and foreign policies of their government, it is important to consider several key points:
Diverse Perspectives: As mentioned earlier, the American people encompass a wide range of opinions and beliefs. It is unrealistic to assume that all Americans uniformly support or agree with every policy decision made by their government. Political viewpoints can vary significantly among individuals, and supporting a specific policy does not necessarily reflect a lack of empathy or kindness.
Complex Policy Issues: National and foreign policies often involve complex considerations, including economic, security, and diplomatic factors. Different individuals may prioritize and weigh these factors differently, leading to divergent opinions on the best course of action. It is crucial to recognize that supporting a policy does not necessarily imply a lack of empathy, but rather a different assessment of the situation or a belief in alternative solutions.
Limited Influence: The influence of individual citizens over policy decisions can be limited. While “democratic” processes provide avenues for citizen participation, the complexity of decision-making and the role of various institutions and interest groups can make it challenging for individual voices to shape policy outcomes. Therefore, it is inaccurate to attribute the entirety of the U.S. government's policies to the values or intentions of its citizens.
Grassroots Activism and Advocacy: Many Americans engage in grassroots activism and advocacy efforts to influence policy decisions and address social issues. This demonstrates their commitment to bringing about change and advocating for the causes they believe in. By actively working to shape policies or raise awareness about perceived injustices, individuals showcase their empathy and compassion for others.
The Nuances of International Relations: Foreign policies are often convoluted, involving geopolitical considerations and a range of national interests. Public support for specific policies may arise from a desire to protect national security, promote economic prosperity, or address other strategic circumstances. These considerations may not be immediately apparent to outside observers, but they can influence public opinion and support for specific policies.
It is meaningful to avoid sweeping generalizations about the empathy or kindness of the American people based solely on their support for specific policies. Recognizing the diversity of perspectives, considering the unknown circumstances, the complexities of policy issues, and the limited individual influence over government decisions is crucial. Engaging in open and respectful dialogue to understand the underlying motivations and perspectives of individuals is a more constructive approach than driving broad assumptions about their character or values just because their government bypasses the law and the will of its people. We don’t know what is in the heart of that person. God knows that.
Imran Siddiqui is the managing editor at Justice News and the author of The JBlog. Imran's podcast FairPlay Challenging Wrongful Convictions airs on J107Justice Radio
