A couple of days ago, I was approached by a man; medium build, had a mustache and a goatee, about same height as me, probably around early thirties or late twenties. He was wearing cargo shorts, a black shirt, a red bandana on his neck (which he probably used as a face mask), some rings on his fingers I didn't know which ones. He was carrying a sports drink tumbler.
Anyway, he approached me while I was waiting for the company shuttle service. He asked if I had Php 20 on me. He needed to buy himself something to eat. So I said, "No." Then he asked again, and again I said, "No." Then he asked for just Php 5. Still, I said, "No." Then he went on asking why we, Filipinos, can't help other Filipinos in need. So I answered very sarcastically, "In these dire times, we tend to think of just ourselves first and not others." Then he approached other people.
Then he came back. This time he said that they (he had a crew somewhere) were taking a video on people's reactions to people in need. He even said that if I gave him some money, he will have given me Php 1000. He even showed me his wad of cash. He said that the video will be out on Sunday (12 July). Although he failed to tell their channel or page. So in short, they were doing a social experiment.
You see. There is a problem with that social experiment that they did.
First. Only one person did the, for a lack of a better term, begging. And I didn't think he need any help. He looked more like he spent all his money on something. Now, he just needs a bit so he could eat or go home. For me he just looked like someone who was irresponsible. Even if I had money to spare, I wouldn't have given him any.
Second. Back to the guy who did the begging; his approach was a bit strong. His facial expression was kind of aggressive. He looked like someone who was about to mug someone. His face did not show his hunger as he had claimed. That's because he wasn't. They were just after a bit of content.
Third. For it to be called an experiment, there should be another sample; one control and one experimental. Another person should have done the same. But with a difference; maybe he'd look a lot more like he literally has slept on the street for days. I don't know which one would be the control but, there should at least be a basis of comparison.
With his approach, I don't think anyone got the Php 1000 reward. If there were, there must be very few of them.
So to the guy who approached me, sorry. You really didn't seem like someone who needed help. I don't even regret that I didn't get a Php 1000 reward for being helpful. How am I supposed to watch your video if I don't know where to find it?
If any of you plan to do social experiments, make sure to have control samples, or basis of comparison.