This question came to mind when I was reading a story about someone getting her apartment completely trashed and her valuables stolen when she rented it out to some strangers through the service AirBnB, and apparently losing her faith in people as a result. She writes:

quote:

I get angry when I realize I will never again be who I've always been before, someone who lived strong and free by the creed that people are essentially good, that if you think optimistically, trust others, and have faith in the world around you, it will take care of you in return.

As someone who tends to be quite wary (even "paranoid" I guess), this former "creed" of hers sounds disastrously naive to me.

For example, I would never trust someone I hadn't met to take decent care of my home, even for just a few days.

But what do you guys think? How much do you trust strangers? Do you assume that the vast majority of people you encounter will be basically decent and respectful?

I tend to believe that most people are inherently good. However I do not place everyone in the same spot on the continuum of trustworthiness. That's just stupid.

I think the best example of a situation in which I have often trusted strangers is waiting at the bus terminal/train station/airport, or studying in the library and asking someone to watch my shit while I go to the bathroom or something.

quote:

Originally posted by Miss Pie I tend to believe that most people are inherently good. However I do not place everyone in the same spot on the continuum of trustworthiness. That's just stupid.

This.

___________________
Indiana Clones Upcoming Sets
[ I May Upload Something Someday ]

I, too, hold that people are inherently good. Still, I am guilty of often making quick judgments about people, occasionally based on superficial factors. These judgments have yet to fail me, though, so I don't expect I'll be changing my ways any time soon.

I believe that all people are inherently bad. Some might just be stupid or dishonest, others are downright evil.
So no, I don't trust strangers.

___________________

Then stop coloring and visit Meat187's mix archive!

I tend to think most people are good. but, it depends on the situation.

I tend to think that all people are idiots until proved otherwise

___________________
[/IMG]http://i54.tinypic.com/ngycqo.png[/IMG]

I learned the greatest way to deal with strangers in Asia. The philosophy is, "If we have not been introduced, you don't exist.".

___________________

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker Oh, preese, so sorree for intorrerance fwum esss russer. He maka fun of you because you tarking in racial stereotype. I aporogize for heem. He not know how behave. Preeze accept aporogee. Ching chang chow yun fat, Mr. Roboto.

quote:

Originally posted by Zyklon_Jay I learned the greatest way to deal with strangers in Asia. The philosophy is, "If we have not been introduced, you don't exist.".

And, if you're hot, allow me to introduce... myself

Boom!!!

___________________
Indiana Clones Upcoming Sets
[ I May Upload Something Someday ]

In Korea people literally will not pay any attention to you at all unless names or business cards are exchanged. They will run right into you on the street and not even say anything. At first you think they are being rude, but their reality is that with so many people in such a tight space, you don't have the time or energy for people you do not know to exist. It was definitely part of the culture shock for me the first bit i was there.

___________________

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker Oh, preese, so sorree for intorrerance fwum esss russer. He maka fun of you because you tarking in racial stereotype. I aporogize for heem. He not know how behave. Preeze accept aporogee. Ching chang chow yun fat, Mr. Roboto.

Just because you read fortune cookies, it don't mean asians said it.

:P

fortune cookies are for gweilos my nigger. shame on you till you step through.

___________________

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker Oh, preese, so sorree for intorrerance fwum esss russer. He maka fun of you because you tarking in racial stereotype. I aporogize for heem. He not know how behave. Preeze accept aporogee. Ching chang chow yun fat, Mr. Roboto.