Should I feel guilty because I bought and consumed this drink, which is worth P150, when I could have just given a part of that amount to the poor kid asking for alms on the street? Should I feel guilty that I have the time to spare to drink such expensive drinks when those who’re not so fortunate, what to work to the bone to find something to eat?
I think ads for charity are all too good eliciting that guilt feelings from us, so that we would donate to their foundations or fund-raising events. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with giving to the needy, but if we’re going to eradicate poverty, we should begin with eradicating the mentality of dependence.
And for such a reason, I prefer to give alms to street kids who’re selling flowers, or candies, buying their merchandise and giving an extra tip if they’re courteous than to those who beat at the car window asking for some coins. I prefer that those who’re asking for loans from me to do something reasonable for me in exchange of the money instead. That’s why I don’t want to write out a medical certificate letting an employee have a sick leave more than what should be so that he could have more pay for less work.
As a matter of fact, I’ve never believed in equal distribution of wealth. I find it a devolution of our value of giving rewards based on merit, shifting to a value of giving rewards based on need. I think what we should be propagating is a mindset that one should not get more because he needs more or that he has less than others, but rather, he will get what is due to him because of what work he had done.
But what about the poor? How can they get out of poverty if we will not help? I think in this part, we would all be better off we’re to concentrate on generating more jobs that are parallel to one’s available skills, instead of using up resources for short-term solutions.
I remembered two guys I had as patients for preemployment medical evaluation. Both of them did not pass the first medical evaluation because of hypertension. The company who wanted to hire them requires that they first have a stable BP before being employed. I informed them about this and the two had different reactions. Patient A was mad that he isn’t qualified for employment. At first, he asked me to write him a favorable medical record so that the company will hire him at the soonest possible time. When I said I will not do that and suggested that he first undergo the treatment regimen that I will give him, he got angrier, did not even bother to listen to the treatment regimen, and told me how he could undergo such treatment if he doesn’t have a salary, that if perhaps I should give him the treatment free for 2 weeks, he might just be able to do it. He even said that perhaps I might be wrong with my diagnosis because BP readings taken by someone who has a stall at the mall reports that his BP is normal. I got frustrated by this but I still remained firm that he has to undergo treatment. He did not come back to the clinic, saying he’ll look for another clinic who’ll make him pass a medical exam.
Patient B showed disappointment at first that he wouldn’t be hired soon. But when I explained to him what he needs to do (lifestyle modifications, medical treatment), he willingly accepted, and listened patiently to what I instructed him to do.I monitored his BP for 2 1/2 weeks, after which the monitoring record showed a stabilization of BP at acceptable level enough for the company to hire him. I haven’t heard from Patient A again.
For me, people who’re like Patient B, who’re willing to do what is necessary to accomplish his goals are those worth helping out. He did not demand for that job simply because he is jobless, but rather, he did what is needed to get that job. Both Patient A and B have the skills, but it’s the attitude that spelled the difference.
And I hope most people would be more like Patient B. These are the people who will not demand things just because they have less, but rather, will work to make themselves worthy of what it is that they ask. This is the kind of attitude that all of us should have and it is the attitude that will get us out of being one of the impoverished nations in the world.
* * * * *
This is my blog post contribution to Blog Action Day
October 15th, 2008 at 20:34
i agree with you, correct the mindset first.
but what about those who really do not have options? like the dying people in africa, those who are caught i the midst of battlefields, etc. it’s very heart-rending to think about their hopeless situations.
October 16th, 2008 at 10:59
thank you for you thought..
every person should realized that..
no other people can help themselves.
sorry if wrong grammar..
i had a hard time expressing my own opinion.
October 17th, 2008 at 22:19
to Sexy Mom:
The whole world has been trying to help countries such as Africa and our own country for a very long time already. In Africa, what worsens the situation is some parts of their traditions and also the culture. It’ll be hard to correct those but it’s been really quite a while. It’s up to the people whether they’ll try to improve on themselves or not. Those people, especially the African women, who’ve made a difference in their communities and in the lives of others are truly remarkable, considering the situation they have in their country. We need more people who think like them. Africa (and our country) can get all the monetary help that can be provided, but if we don’t change some of our ways, all these money and the effort of the good-hearted missionaries would be wasted.
October 17th, 2008 at 22:20
to john:
Thanks for commenting. And yes, I agree that we should all think of ways of getting ourselves out of the rut, and not simply rely on others.
October 19th, 2008 at 13:31
Interesting thoughts. I agree–we have to balance compassion with some common sense.
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:09
You said to set the mind set first. But how to do that. Every one can help others and will have that will. The will of a person depends upon the circumstances they are brought up and situations they are facing.