Pat McLean-Smith “A Conscious Encounter”

The transcript narrates a personal experience with a homeless woman, highlighting the internal conflict and realization of indifference towards her plight. The narrator encounters the woman twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, leading to a moment of reflection on empathy, apathy, and the fear of forgetting the experience.

What does the narrator realize about their attitude towards homeless people?

• They have always been empathetic.

• They have become indifferent.

• They are overly generous.

• They are fearful of the homeless.

During the morning encounter, how does the narrator initially react to the homeless woman?

• They call for assistance.

• They ignore her completely.

• They feel a mix of empathy and apathy.

• They stop to help her immediately.

What does the narrator do when they see the homeless woman at the bus terminal?

• They engage in a conversation.

• They call the police.

• They rush past her.

• They offer her food.

In the evening encounter, what does the narrator struggle with as they approach the woman?

• Avoiding eye contact with her.

• Choosing a different route home.

• Finding enough money to give her.

• Deciding whether to call for help.

What emotion does the narrator feel after the woman thanks them?

• Pride

• Indifference

• Shame

• Joy