Dave,
This would explain alot of things because if you are continually living with your shield up, you won't be able to feel when someone cares about you. Because of where I live, I lived through 9/11 and biological/Anthrax attacks. Yes, people have to go on with their lives, but they also need to know that others care about them.
As for Africa, I think there is more to the big picture than just giving these countries money. Over the years we continue to give money and more money, but the problem doesn't seem to be solved with the money feeding the hungry. It seems like these African countries continue to starve their people and use them as pons to get more money.