Jenema is walking in a mall and a homeless person approaches her and asks for money. Jenema keeps walking without speaking to or looking at the person. The relationship between Jenema and the homeless person is
A) I-You
B) I-Thou
C) I-It
D) I-ME
E) I-Us

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between Jenema and the homeless person is characterized as "I-It" because Jenema treats the homeless person as an object rather than engaging with them as a subject or equal. In Martin Buber's philosophy, an "I-It" relationship is one where the other is treated as a means to an end or an object, rather than being engaged with deeply and personally, which would be an "I-Thou" relationship.

Jenema Is Walking in a Mall and a Homeless Person