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The Reductive Seduction of Other People’s Problems
If youre young, privileged, and interested in creating a life of meaning, of course youd be attracted to solving problems that seem urgent and readily solvable.
https://medium.com/the-development-set/the-reductive-seduction-of-other-people-s-problems-3c07b307732d#.fnw7mx65m
In some cases, the reductive seduction can actively cause harm. In its early years, TOMS Shoes which has become infamous for its buy one give one business model, wherein they give a pair of shoes for every one sold donated American-made shoes, which put local shoe factory workers out of jobs (theyve since changed their supply chain).
Some development workers even have an acronym that they use to describe these initiatives: SWEDOW (stuff we dont want). AIDWATCH, a watchdog development blog, created a handy flow chart that helps do gooders reality check their altruistic instincts. It begins with the simplest of questions Is the stuff needed? and flows down to more sophisticated questions like, Will buying locally cause shortages or other disruptions?
IOW: I'm glad you want to help, but try driving across town to the homeless shelter.
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The Reductive Seduction of Other People’s Problems (Original Post)
TalkingDog
Jan 2016
OP
I don't want this to come across wrong, but what would I do at the homeless shelter?
Fast Walker 52
Jan 2016
#4
thanks-- I was just wondering if they would prefer cash donations to people help
Fast Walker 52
Jan 2016
#6
I thought it was the redacted solution for other people's problems. Go figure.
appalachiablue
Jan 2016
#7
tazkcmo
(7,286 posts)1. "try driving across town to the homeless shelter."
That's basicley what I tell people that thank me for my military service. Sometimes I'm rude if their "thanks" is preceded by some RW bullshit and say, "Thanks but that's literally the very least you can do. Try harder."
TalkingDog
(9,001 posts)2. Well, I thank you AND I serve at the local homeless shelter.
So we're good.
tazkcmo
(7,286 posts)3. Oh yeah!
Now THAT'S support! Thank YOU for your service! I got paid money for mine but your rewards are much greater!
Fast Walker 52
(7,723 posts)4. I don't want this to come across wrong, but what would I do at the homeless shelter?
What kind of help do they need?
TalkingDog
(9,001 posts)5. I've worked in the kitchen. I've worked organizing donations
of clothes, food and other supplies.
I've worked entertaining kids. The needs vary, sometimes depending on the time of year, the clients they have, etc.
If you call, someone would be glad to let you know how you can help.
Fast Walker 52
(7,723 posts)6. thanks-- I was just wondering if they would prefer cash donations to people help
but maybe they need both
TalkingDog
(9,001 posts)8. Both is great, but give what you can.
n/t
appalachiablue
(41,048 posts)7. I thought it was the redacted solution for other people's problems. Go figure.