Responsibility

To what extent are we responsible to others?

This is a really difficult question because there are many different facets and sides to this question. This leads to a huge variety of interpretations and therefore responses. I think an important aspect of this question is who are "the others." To me, "the others" is a general statement, meaning everyone who isn't you, your family or friends. The title "others" envelops everyone from our neighbors, to those living in countries far across the sea. So, for me this question is basically asking; when do we stop focusing only on ourselves?
I believe that as human beings we have a certain obligation to help those around us, who we are capable of helping. We should be able to give willing to people in need. I would not take it as far as the man in The Gift did though. I firmly believe that giving of oneself is a fantastic idea, it is a noble act and more people should do so. But I don't think giving so much that you put yourself or your loved ones in danger is necessary. I don't only mean bodily harm, but financial as well as mental harm. As citizens of this global community we need to look out for one another, yet is important to take care of your closest and dearest ones as well as yourself.
I definitely believe we have a responsibility to take care of our family members. It is our job to make sure they are well cared for and are living comfortably. No member of the family should have to struggle to obtain daily necessities i.e. food, water, clothing etc. It is also our responsibility to take care of our friends. Not necessarily to give them all the money they need, but to help them with emotional support through difficult times. I think it is necessary to make sure that your own small group of friends and family is well cared for before you begin reaching out to those beyond your personal community.
As for our responsibility towards those who we may not now on an intimate level, I think the level of responsibility is the same. But, we just have less time, resources and motivation to do the same things we do for those close to us. Also, since we need to care for those near to us first, it is difficult to get to those far away. If you can handle the care for those around you, you should extend your help.
For me, I don't believe that one should ever sacrifice a family member’s life or friend’s for a complete strangers, or even to complete strangers lives. The world is a large place with many inhabitants and personally I value the life of those I know best, over those I have not met. I feel compassion for those I do not know, but when it comes down to it, my loyalty and protection, if I had a choice would go to my family and my dearest friends. I think we have a responsibility to try and save the lives of others, but not at the risk of our own lives or the lives of those who are our family.
I believe in the long run, we are helping those people all over the world, by helping those people nearest to us. That way, they can help to better the world, and therefore help others. It is tough to tackle a huge problem all at once, you have to start chipping away at it slowly. And what better place to start then with ourselves and those immediately around us?