To the editor:
It seems as if the "milk of human kindness" has not streamed through to the citizens of our "world-class" city. It appears it is alright to make donations to charity thereby creating a feeling of goodwill, but when it comes to direct human contact, helping others on a one-to-one basis is a different story.
I say this as I have recently had an experience where my plight was completely ignored by passers-by. I was walking down West Cordova between Waterfront Station and the Woodward's building on my way to a meeting when I tripped and fell on a very uneven sidewalk. Two young women approaching saw me and did nothing. I did not expect a hand up, just a question, "Are you alright?" I was able to get up by myself but nonetheless expected some expression of concern.
There are three conclusions I can draw from this:
1) Given the area, they thought I was drunk or stoned.
2) They were afraid of being held liable if they tried to help
3) They were totally oblivious to the whole incident
The damage to my knees is minimal; to my psyche is huge.
Barbara Bawlf, Vancouver
