Sometimes it’s just hard to deal with it when the wrong people get the right ideas. Or the right ideas for he wrong reasons? Resentment is often rooted in insecurity so it is hard to share a value, even positive, with a group you actively avoid becoming similar to. Even if that can be overcome for the sake of social or self betterment, the Other’s motives never seem as pure as your own, maybe subconsciously as a way to keep that desired seperation.
There’s also the class implications of a lifestyle in which “moral” superiority can be simply purchased. Financial charity is actually a great example of this. Wal-Mart is consistantly at the top of the list of corporate charitable contributors in this country however their moral failings are patent and plentiful.
It’s hard to live green without hearing that small, accusational voice. It’s hard to do charity work without wondering if those you try to help sometimes resent you for it, for being in a position that allows you to help.
Nothing reinforces class division like trying to help someone across the divide. Or worse yet, simply helping them to move along in the one they’re in.
Maybe the people who really need help can’t afford to worry about class distinctions and social signifiers.
Intent is what makes morality. Action is what makes ethics. If I help out someone for a reward does that lessen the help I gave? If someone helps me because it is considered the “cool” thing to do should I shrug away their help? Morality is a convenient lie to make us feel better. Ethics on the other hand actually help shape a better future.
Just realized I’m not the only Ben… well, there’s an F now. This one made me crack up. I wish I could find a girl like Girl… I’d be ok being the semi-hopeful loveable loser Boy. :sigh:
@ben.: I’ve recently discovered that I’m not ‘allowed’ to help people I know because of my slightly-better-than-average monetary status.
Is it a bad thing to want to help people you like? Apparently yes, if you have money. Only people who are poorer than average are expected to be kind.
Now I’m just wondering whether the only reason I’m allowed to be kind to strangers is because they aren’t aware I am (very very slightly) rich.
Back on topic: I do, unfortunately, know people who don’t buy Fairtrade on principle because they consider it a ‘fad’.
I’m not innocent though – far from it. I’m still trying to break myself free from the idea that charity shops = rubbish. I’m trying though, honest!
Change your behavior in a way that you can help the world WITHOUT giving to charity. Charity is a way to justify bad decisions. It is the ultimate form of giving with one hand and taking with the other.
If, however you start to live in a way where you take less…..
@GalacticSnail Congratulations, you have successfully made me stop to comment, even though it’s over 7 years since the comic was released and two years since your comment.
Anyway, trying to “live in a way where you take less” is actually one of the worst ways to help. If you just stand aside like you don’t exist, it means there is one less person that would help. What most impoverished people and nations need is actually some sort of support with which they could jump in the wagon of development. I’m talking about supporting new companies and innovations especially in those impoverished areas, so that those areas can have something to exchange with the rest of the world. So, simply giving money to the poor isn’t going to cut it, they would just become dependent on it and not do anything new, but if you give them something to work with, or even better, make them themselves create that something, they will soon have something to present to the world and a newfound pride of being a important part of the progress.
November 22, 2008
aw- i just stumbled upon this today and i’m cracking up. thank you. :-)
January 9, 2009
I bet she was great with the kids.
May 24, 2009
yeah… don’t make a sustainable choice if everyone else is doing it as a fad or token good deed.
that was easy. next thing to make passe: charity!
May 25, 2009
Sometimes it’s just hard to deal with it when the wrong people get the right ideas. Or the right ideas for he wrong reasons? Resentment is often rooted in insecurity so it is hard to share a value, even positive, with a group you actively avoid becoming similar to. Even if that can be overcome for the sake of social or self betterment, the Other’s motives never seem as pure as your own, maybe subconsciously as a way to keep that desired seperation.
There’s also the class implications of a lifestyle in which “moral” superiority can be simply purchased. Financial charity is actually a great example of this. Wal-Mart is consistantly at the top of the list of corporate charitable contributors in this country however their moral failings are patent and plentiful.
It’s hard to live green without hearing that small, accusational voice. It’s hard to do charity work without wondering if those you try to help sometimes resent you for it, for being in a position that allows you to help.
Nothing reinforces class division like trying to help someone across the divide. Or worse yet, simply helping them to move along in the one they’re in.
Maybe the people who really need help can’t afford to worry about class distinctions and social signifiers.
I feel I take more space than i deserve.
August 11, 2009
Girl can complain about anything. She should join my Olympic complaining team.
January 18, 2010
even if something positive is a fad its still positive, even if the motive behind it might be negative..?
January 24, 2010
Intent is what makes morality. Action is what makes ethics. If I help out someone for a reward does that lessen the help I gave? If someone helps me because it is considered the “cool” thing to do should I shrug away their help? Morality is a convenient lie to make us feel better. Ethics on the other hand actually help shape a better future.
March 10, 2010
Just realized I’m not the only Ben… well, there’s an F now. This one made me crack up. I wish I could find a girl like Girl… I’d be ok being the semi-hopeful loveable loser Boy. :sigh:
July 4, 2010
@ben.: I’ve recently discovered that I’m not ‘allowed’ to help people I know because of my slightly-better-than-average monetary status.
Is it a bad thing to want to help people you like? Apparently yes, if you have money. Only people who are poorer than average are expected to be kind.
Now I’m just wondering whether the only reason I’m allowed to be kind to strangers is because they aren’t aware I am (very very slightly) rich.
Back on topic: I do, unfortunately, know people who don’t buy Fairtrade on principle because they consider it a ‘fad’.
I’m not innocent though – far from it. I’m still trying to break myself free from the idea that charity shops = rubbish. I’m trying though, honest!
September 30, 2013
There’s the Pol Pot option, if you aren’t growing your own food, you’re a freeloader and we cap ya’.
April 25, 2014
Change your behavior in a way that you can help the world WITHOUT giving to charity. Charity is a way to justify bad decisions. It is the ultimate form of giving with one hand and taking with the other.
If, however you start to live in a way where you take less…..
January 21, 2016
@GalacticSnail Congratulations, you have successfully made me stop to comment, even though it’s over 7 years since the comic was released and two years since your comment.
Anyway, trying to “live in a way where you take less” is actually one of the worst ways to help. If you just stand aside like you don’t exist, it means there is one less person that would help. What most impoverished people and nations need is actually some sort of support with which they could jump in the wagon of development. I’m talking about supporting new companies and innovations especially in those impoverished areas, so that those areas can have something to exchange with the rest of the world. So, simply giving money to the poor isn’t going to cut it, they would just become dependent on it and not do anything new, but if you give them something to work with, or even better, make them themselves create that something, they will soon have something to present to the world and a newfound pride of being a important part of the progress.