Chapter 7: Cyberbeg.com and Online Begging
In Chapter 7 of The Genius of Money we learn a little about the rich origins and history of begging. The author talks about the cross class interaction of giving money to a beggar and the associated benefits for both parties when a donation is made. From a beggars standpoint they receive a financial gift that they can use to better their quality of life, and from a donors point of view they are giving to the less needy. It is a conscious self-imposed choice that leads one to the path of enlightenment. There is a sense of connection between you and the person you are donating to, even for a split second.
With the rise of new technology, specifically a website called Cyberbeg.com people can now go online to donate to your local homeless or beggar. This relatively new idea adds additional value for the common beggars as they can now be exposed to more people than they otherwise would begging on the streets, but it also grants them physical relief of having to stand in the streets and beg. They can go do something else with their time. For beggars perhaps this idea is a win, but the author discusses his experience with the site. Not only does he mention he wouldn’t want to visit such a site, which I completely agree with, but he talks about how he felt like a consumer rather than a donor when using the site. There was no spiritual connection or sense compassion when donating through an online portal.
What do you guys think, would it make a difference to you guys when you donate? Which do you prefer?
Chapter 15: The Transcendentalist and the Immigrant
The first part of this chapter basically gives historical context for how money was implanted in American culture from its early existence. To summarize, Thomas Jefferson was a strong proponent of an agriculture economy, while Alexander Hamilton argued that America should strive to become a trading economy. These two ideas eventually laid the groundwork for the American cultural phenomenon of money underscored by two early American thought leaders: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Eva Hoffman.
On one hand, Emerson believed that money could be utilized for good in society and foreshadowed the evolution of public charities in America "as trustees and administrators of wealth for public benefit." He belives that money everybody needs money, but not those with abundant amounts of money have a duty to give back. Emerson considers money a "natural resource" and implores those who have accumulated large sums of money to give to others and rise above the natural tendency to become attached to money.
On the other hand, Hoffman is interested by the intersection of money and one's identity. As the rise of media and advertising has risen over time, Hoffman questions whether individuals even know their desires or if they are determined by third-parties. She believes that desires are becoming materialistic and not spiritual. Hoffman believes that spiritual education will help alleviate the problem of one living a purely materialistic world.
We can like money, but do not attach to it. Attachment to money will make money control us, instead of us control money.
ReplyDeleteThis very true. If I give money to a homeless man it definitely makes me feel good about myself, doing a good deed is great. Sometimes buying a sandwich can be more appropriate for the certain individual, but ya. Also, cyberg.com sounds like a really good idea and could motivate people to give if they either don't have cash on them or dread the sometimes awkward moment when giving to someone who is begging.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange concept. I think begging is very different to most other financial transactions, but I wouldn't do it online. This website makes it a documented thing; not a means to an end but just a way to stay begging permanently.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the concept of begging online removes the whole point of human interaction from the act. I would definitely feel more inclined to give to a real person in front of me than some stranger on the internet who could possibly be a scam artist.
ReplyDeleteCh. 7 - This argument reminds me of a Friends episode in which Phoebe tells Joey that he can't do anything without be selfish, even charity.
ReplyDeleteI dont think giving money online might be helpful unless they really do give them. Majority of websites or non-profit companies has a lot of "expenses" before they gives out your donations. Might want to check them first.
ReplyDeleteI believe the mean makes little difference, whether physical or virtual. If I give money to someone I would love to see that my action really helped someone, and than can be achieved in both ways.
ReplyDelete