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At times it is such a sad world in which we live in when people are afraid to help each other out and the stranger is a source of instant suspicion. Unfortunately criminals don't wear masks, dress in black and white stripes and carry bags with "swag" written on for us to spot. It is impossible to spot a criminal from amongst the crowd, it is impossible for us to spot the bad amongst the good.

However, it is worth remembering that the vast majority of people are good people. Fear tends to cast shadows over contacts with strangers, it shouldn't be this way. It would be a massive loss to the good of society if people allowed such fear to come between each other. In the past most people would think nothing of helping the stranger of the on the street and think little of it. Today however this is not necessarily so, people are most suspicious of each other which is not helped by the constant sources of fear given out by the media.

Obviously a woman alone at night should always be extra cautious and should not take any chances in situations that may arise. Stopping to tell people the time or talking to strangers in the street at night over similar scenarios could place an individual in danger. Naturally it is best to err on the side of caution and not to engage in conversation where possible, but very few people are out to do harm.

Another type of situation involves the door-to-door caller, usually unexpected. The easy way to avoid any danger is simply never to let them into the house. From a financial viewpoint buying door-to-door is often not a good idea anyway. If people want a product or service the best way is shop around and look for bargains not to buy on the spec. However true service people would have registered cards in which an individual can check out should such situation arise. Similarly never be taken in with charities that door-to-door this also could be a con, if people want to give to charity it can be done by other means.

Though it is a shame that we have to think in these terms, as I have said I believe in the vast majority of people and I am prepared to give people a chance. I think the best way to approach this awkward topic is to consider the risks involved in a particular situation and go with instincts. Even thought the criminal doesn't dress-up ready labelled as a thief or a confidence trickster, natural instinct is a very sharp tool. Trust in instinct and people are not likely to be wrong.

It is time that we started to bring back the community spirit in our society. It is time that we are allowed to help each other without feeling fear. The media makes money by promoting fear, fear sells, but does great harm to humanity. It is time that we started listening to our own instincts and stopped listening to factors that are only concerned with profiting out of our own insecurities. I have never been a boy scout but the idea of doing a good deed everyday suddenly appeals to me. Be cautious in safety of course, but let's not forget the inherent goodness of mankind.

Learn more about this author, John Gray.
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