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TalkingDog

(9,001 posts)
Tue Jan 12, 2016, 10:25 AM Jan 2016

The Reductive Seduction of Other People’s Problems

“If you’re young, privileged, and interested in creating a life of meaning, of course you’d 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 (they’ve since changed their supply chain).

Some development workers even have an acronym that they use to describe these initiatives: SWEDOW (stuff we don’t 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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tazkcmo

(7,286 posts)
1. "try driving across town to the homeless shelter."
Tue Jan 12, 2016, 10:30 AM
Jan 2016

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."

tazkcmo

(7,286 posts)
3. Oh yeah!
Tue Jan 12, 2016, 10:34 AM
Jan 2016

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?
Tue Jan 12, 2016, 03:01 PM
Jan 2016

What kind of help do they need?

TalkingDog

(9,001 posts)
5. I've worked in the kitchen. I've worked organizing donations
Tue Jan 12, 2016, 10:54 PM
Jan 2016

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
Wed Jan 13, 2016, 08:01 AM
Jan 2016

but maybe they need both

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