The Migrant Worker

[Jazzy]

This time of year, we have migrant workers who pick and pack apples. They work in all types of weather and cause no problems to the community. The only transportation they have to get to the stores are bicycles. The nearest store from the apple orchards is 4 miles. That's a long ride but I see them riding their bikes even in the pouring rain.



This morning I had to run to the store for milk. I noticed on the way back that cars ahead of me were slowing and swerving around something. None of them stopped so I really couldn't see what the problem was until I drove up closer. I couldn't believe my eyes! There, on the side of the road with half his bike in the road was a migrant worker laying there with groceries strewn all over the road. Not one freakin' person stopped to help him or even see if he was okay.

I pulled off the road and ran back to where he was laying. I asked him what hurt him and what orchard he worked for. He told me his ribs hurt because the bike handle hit him in the ribs when he fell. I dialed 911 and requested an ambulance. In the meantime, people were still driving by but now they were gawking and again not one other person would stop.



I managed to get his groceries and bike away from the road. I then called the orchard to let them know one of their workers had been hurt. The ambulance arrived first and soon after the orchard owner. The orchard owner took the groceries and the bike and placed them in his truck. He thanked me for helping his worker and asked if he could give me some compensation for my time. I told him no thanks and he and I both left the scene.



This is a very sad world when people see another human being laying on the road and just keep right on going. One day, I hope it's not them in the same situation.

 

[Fatal Dawn]

In this case I think it's just the apathy people have toward migrant workers. People tend to look down on them. In general, I tend to avoid stopping to help someone - instead, opting to call 9-1-1. I've heard too many stories of people getting robbed or killed while doing that.

 

[Jazzy]

In general, I tend to avoid stopping to help someone - instead, opting to call 9-1-1. I've heard too many stories of people getting robbed or killed while doing that.

Hope you're never in the same situation and people opt to just call 911 instead of stopping. Life can end while that call is being made. I'd rather take the chance of getting robbed or killed then have to live with the fact I passed by and did nothing. What if I'm the only one passing by and I have no cell phone to call for help?

 

[Bluezone777]

To be fair, it wouldn't be that much of an issue if you go call 911 first to....



1. get in contact with EMTS and get them to your location.

2. Get info on how you can help the person while waiting for them to arrive.



I don't think it's too wise to try to be of help if you don't have a clue as to what you are doing. I would think you would be more harm then help if you don't have any training. That was my thinking anyway.



Simply turning your back because they are the wrong color skin is the sort of logic that can be used against you when you need that help. People really don't think their actions all the way through and rather just leave it where it benefits them and don't apply their own logic to themselves to see if they would like it. If you wouldn't like it done to you then don't do it to anyone else is my motto.

 

[Fatal Dawn]

Hope you're never in the same situation and people opt to just call 911 instead of stopping. Life can end while that call is being made. I'd rather take the chance of getting robbed or killed then have to live with the fact I passed by and did nothing. What if I'm the only one passing by and I have no cell phone to call for help?

Unfortunately I've been in situations like that where nobody stopped to help. I'm black. People avoid me and don't even give me the time of day. I have no one.



The latter situation you described is also unfortunate. To stop on an isolated road with no cell phone and no one around seems like a big gamble. And without a a way to call for help, you are even more limited in how you could aid the person. I certainly wouldn't criticize anyone who chooses to stop in this situation, but it's not something I would decide to do.

 

[seasidemike]

Fear and apathy... the fabric of social breakdown



well done for stopping and helping the guy out.