On any standard sightseeing tour down the National Mall, visitors are guaranteed to witness some historic sites while there. The omniscient Washington Memorial being the first, followed by the historic yet tranquil reflecting pool and culminating with the stalwart figure of Abraham Lincoln. Just as certain as you are to encounter these sites in all their majestic glory is the fact that, to catch a glimpse of them, you will have to force your way through throngs of other tourists. All of whom are intent on getting their perfect “shameless selfie” next to Abe.
As I began to realize that the dreaded “duck face” infestation had truly swept the pond and infected our American counterparts, I was forced to come to terms with an inconvenient truth. A unique and memorable snap in front of these great monuments was exactly what I wanted as well. What good is it visiting somewhere of immense wonder and awe if you can’t inform your friends that you’ve been overwhelmed by the experience? Is it worth broadening your pallet culturally and traveling yourself interesting if you can’t get pictures of yourself doing so in the process? (Of course it is but for the purposes of this blog, let’s just go with it).
As phenomenal as the selfie is, the age-old and vintage method of having your picture taken by a third party hasn’t quite died a death yet. Luckily, it seems tourists will be more than happy to capture your moment of personal enlightenment as this task falls under the elusive banner of “a favor.” However, there is an unspoken routine to this dance and before you can stand and admire your pose (and picture the ensuing ‘likes’ that will hopefully flood in) you are obliged to return the favor by politely offering your services as cameraman.
Now, was this an incredible act of kindness from two complete strangers or was it just two people being adopting a pragmatic way to approach a problem? (I realize that in the grand scheme of things this hardly constitutes a genuine problem). There is also the very pessimistic view that any “favor” done in life is merely selfish.
As depressing as this concept is, the fact remains that the people offering to take the photo of you know full well the steps of the dance they were entering into. Meaning there pleasant gesture was laden with ulterior motives. Even the most intolerable of favors, such as helping someone move house or driving them a long distance has its potential benefits. When you’re in a position of needing to transport all your worldly possessions down the road or catch an obscenely early flight at ridiculouso’clock you know someone who will be more than happy to oblige. Provided you are safe in the knowledge you have willingly entered into their “favor debt.”
Whether it is charitable, selfish or just straight-forward, favors play a massive role in life – especially when, like me, you’re an aspiring journalist. Convincing the editor of a paper or magazine to let you snake into their offices for a couple of weeks and imitate a real-life reporter is crucial of attaining life’s ultimate golden eggcup.
A job.
Any favor of this kind I can get my dirty mitts on is invaluable to my personal Top Trumps card (or as other people like to call it a CV). However, in return for letting me play journalist for a couple of weeks, that editor has skillfully managed to acquire an extra world-class employee (passable at best) to work without having the burden of actually paying them. Another win-win scenario.
Far be it from me though to just assume everyone else has the same devilish undercurrents running through them when they agree to lend their fellow man a much needed helping hand. There are probably thousands of people expecting nothing more than a pleasant smile upon completion of said favor because, as they say, a good deed is its own reward. I admire those people and maybe one day I can become as selfless as them. For now though I’ll approach favors the same way I approach my student loan. Reap the perks and worry about the debt at a later date.