Charity and Philanthropy

[Strider]

You know, speaking strictly about economics, giving money to charity or something like that doesn't make any sense at all. Exchanging income for nothing at all is absolutely absurd.

But we all know that charity is about helping others. There's one place here in town, the Povarello House, that refers to their charitable efforts as a "spiritual pursuit, but not necessarily a practical one". We throw our spare change in jars here and there to support research for breast cancer or muscular dystrophy or, in light of Hurricane Katrina, to help our fellow Americans in the South rebuild some kind of normalcy in the storm's aftermath. Things like that. It may not be much from you and I, but it all adds up and it all goes somewhere to serve good causes.

And philanthropy... If I ever become a millionaire, I'll give back some to the community. I don't yet know how, but I will. I was watching Ray on TV the other night, and the ending epilogue mentioned that he gave back over $20 million to African-American universities and schools for the blind and deaf. A lot of celebrities do a lot of the same things, notably Angelina Jolie and Bono (in their own little ways).

Whether we always show it or not, every one of us has got to care on some level about our fellow human beings. There are those, unfortunately, who seem to adopt a holier-than-thou stance against people like me who give to charity only when it hits close to home, but the important thing is that we're all giving, isn't it? It's one thing to give in just a Katrina-type scenario, but it's a completely different thing to ignore everyone suffering completely.

I know most of us here... actually, all of us here, are relatively young and might not have the time or money to give away so freely to charity or whatnot, but like I said. The important thing is that you do.

[ThroneofDravaris]

I can't believe that anyone could possibly criticise someone for not giving money to charity regularly, if they provide the occasional donation.

I myself find that it’s so much easier not to care.

[bipper]

It makes perfect sence. You realocate resources that you are willing to give up. This works seamlessly and berly really effects the economy overall. Most corps will donate a huge sume (as wal-mart seems to do) and write it off on thier taxes. On that same note, many charities that collect money (wal-mart Katrina donation boxes) also serve as a write off for the company. Its the write offs that get me

Bipper

[Cloud No.9]

what katrina brings up is hugely wrong though.

3 million starving africans in niger never once touched on the american conscience. they don't speak english, we can't understand what they say when they cry. they are less human in that way. it doesn't matter. who cares if they die they are a few thousand miles away? but when something happens close or if they speak english it makes a difference (unless it is huge and quick like the tsunami). they are somehow more human and more deserving.

that is what is wrong with the current state of charity. katrina and niger/sudan illustrate it so well.

the world turned it's back on niger but rose to it's feet to help america. one was more severe than the other. one is an injustice.

[ThroneofDravaris]

And that’s why I gave up caring. There are too many things in the world to feel like crap about. Much easier to pretend that most of them don’t exist…

[War Angel]

what katrina brings up is hugely wrong though.

The person you love the most is dying, and you can either help him\her, or some person you've never met, not both. Who would you choose? I rest my case.*


*... Man, in-case you didn't choose the person you love the most, there's something very, very wrong with you.

[Cloud No.9]

but these aren't loved ones, relatives or friends. they are random strangers. they just talk the same and are closer. there is no emotional attachment.

[War Angel]

there is no emotional attachment.

Sorry, but I feel great solidarity with my people. No, it's not as strong as it is with my family or friends, but it's sure as Hell a lot stronger than it is with some random person, elsewhere in the world. Americans saving Americans is not to frowned upon, because Americans did not save Africans. You know what? When Africans start helping Africans, I'll join in. Untill they do - I'll help my own.

[Cloud No.9]

yeah cos starving african no1 is gonna share his food with starving african no2.

the west can afford to help it's own and others. it just refuses to.

[Dr Unne]

The person you love the most is dying, and you can either help him\her, or some person you've never met, not both. Who would you choose? I rest my case.*

This is wise. I never give money to charity. If you have extra money, buy your friends or family something, rather than give it to charity. That way, you know your money is going to someone who deserves it (assuming you think your friends and family are good people). You're also making yourself happy by making someone you care about happy. If you care about such things, you'll also know that you're helping your local economy if you buy something locally, and that will benefit you (perhaps).

Even if it was a choice between saving someone who's dying, and buying my girlfriend a nice birthday present, I'd pick the birthday present. Unless the person dying was someone I really cared about. In fact, every one of us makes this choice every single day. There is an endless supply of people who desperately need money in the world. Every cup of coffee you buy from Starbucks could be feeding a starving baby in Africa. Every time you buy a video game, you're using money that could be saving someone's life.

At least part of the money you give to charity to help large numbers of people is going to go to help bad people. Wife-beaters and child-molesters live in New Orleans too. I wouldn't want to help them, even accidentally.

I consider everyone my equal. I wouldn't ask someone from Africa (or anyone else) to give me something for no reason, so I wouldn't expect someone from Africa to expect me to give them something. Are they sub-human or inferior to myself in some way, that they require pity from others to survive? I have more faith in humanity than that. People have control of their own lives, or should.

[Teek]

You know, the good Doc has just basically summed up the entire answer to this thread. My god, that was an awesome post.

Dr Unne, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE.

[Cloud No.9]

"Are they sub-human or inferior to myself in some way, that they require pity from others to survive? I have more faith in humanity than that. People have control of their own lives, or should." we are talking people living in the desert with nothing around them except sand for hundreds of miles, starving and dying. these people cannot help themselves. they don't have control of their own lives. they will die without outside aid. men, women and children will die from that idea today. they will die a slow, agonising death that can take weeks. only one set of people can end that. and we continue to refuse to.

it's no better than the warsaw ghetto.

[cookieface]

Hey, if you're dirt poor, what's there to give? I got bottomless pockets myself, so what difference will it make. Not much, even if some fat 20 something nerd with an allowance wants to update gaming hardware for the 3rd time in a month instead of giving it to some homeless person. It's not gonna move mountains and change the world. Especially not throwing money at big random organizations. Now as a non-rich person, if someone directly asks for your help, and you are able to provide it, that's up to you. Good or evil, be the best you can be.

[fire_of_avalon]

I don't see why it's such a big deal for people to defend themselves when they don't give to chairty. I'm still gonna judge you no matter how awesome your reasoning is, just like you're gonna judge me for being a dummy for donating too much of my time and money that I don't have. I just wanted to say that before the fight started.

[ThroneofDravaris]

Fights breaking out over charity. I’d like to see that…