Helping Others and Ethical Responsibility

Helping others and ethical responsibility

Since I couldn't open any of the videos on the Responsibility Project website, I'd decided to read some of the articles posted pertaining to ethical actions done by individuals across the nation. Though none of these actions were remarkable enough to be reported on a worldwide level, each one was noteworthy enough to be documented and used as an example in the Responsibility Project.

One that struck me as a good example to write about was that of a high school junior in Ohio who was competing in her state championship track and field events. The article written was called The Running Samaritan by Andrea Bennett and took place on July 11th, 2012 during the Ohio Division III girl's state meet in Columbus, Ohio. Meghan Vogel was a high school junior who'd just ran in the 1600 meter track event and along with winning this event she'd also beaten her old record with a time of 4:58.31. Meghan was the first girl to win this event for her high school in over 30 years, an astonishing victory all around.

Approximately an hour later Meghan would find herself running in the 3200 meter event, a grueling long distance run that would define Meghan and how she practices an ethical dilemma without thinking of any consequences. While a mere 20 meters from the finish line, another runner ahead of Meghan collapses on the track from severe cramps. Without a thought, Meghan scooped up the troubled runner and assisted in carrying her over the finish line. And not just to finish but also placing the runner ahead of herself, placing 14th and 15th respectively.

The importance of this example is how sportsmanship is displayed by one individual towards another competitor. Even though this can also be viewed as an act of kindness, when interviewed, Meghan stated that she didn't even think about what she was doing, it was instinctive for her to assist a fallen competitor. Some people view this as an example of humanity, others an act of kindness and heroism. Meghan herself says that she was practicing an act of personal responsibility. This character trait can be a reflection of Meghan's upbringing, her social life, or what she's been taught by her track coaches.

Most sporting organizations teach their pupils to achieve victory at any cost. While there aren't any type of legal issues raised in this article, there is a