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Compassion In Barbara Ascher's Thank You, Ma Am

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At an early age, we learn how to use every trait we have in us. It takes us longer to process and learn the true meaning of some of these innate traits, for example, feeling compassion towards others under certain situations. On the other hand, compassion can be taught to those who may be afraid to show sympathy. Many people believe that compassion is a trait which we learn over the years, with experience. However, others feel that it's more of a connection we have among us no matter the age, or the ethnicity. Barbara Ascher’s idea that compassion must be learned it’s problematic because compassion a mixture of both innate sympathy and learning how to feel concern for others. Affection is a way to demonstrate compassion, but some people may …show more content…

As shown through imagery in Thank You Ma’am, it's up to us whether we want to show compassion because it’s in our hearts to help each other out. We see different things happen out on the streets, for example, the encounter Mrs. Luella had with the young boy named Roger in the short story, “Thank You, Ma’am,” by Langston Hughes. “Pick up my pocketbook, boy, and give it here,” Mrs. Luella said. The boy was trying to steal from her, but the woman knew the boy was in need. In addition, the woman took the young boy to her house, making him clean himself up and cooked him a decent meal. “I would teach you right from wrong,” Mrs. Luella said. The word compassion can be somewhat intimidating for some people, but it's a good quality to have in us. Furthermore, as demonstrated in the short story, if one is concern of others needs we can make a difference even though no one else can see it. If we take the time out from our busy schedules and help those who need it we would be better off. “ I were young once and I wanted things I could not get,” (3). Although, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, went through a similar situation her concern for the young boy helped him realize that stealing was not the right thing, and that he should learn to ask for help when he feels the need and work for what he wants instead of stealing. Our compassion is a reflection causing us to help a stranger, acknowledging our cry from the tragedies and aspiration of

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