It is indeed sad that in the year 2009 that people forget to be compassionate to others.
Back in the day people use to do unto other and help out our neighbors, or indeed a woman in distress. It is sad to know that people's heart are harder now than before. People don't care about how to help each other anymore or the kindness of a stranger or what reaction their action had on others.
I'm sorry your daughter went through that and had to find out how mean people really are, especially at Christmas. It truly made me sad to read your story.