Unpopular Opinion

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I dislike charity. (self.unpopularopinion)

submitted 1 day ago by MisterFrog to c/unpopularopinion

38 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Most recent example: I was asked to participate/lead our team's Movember campaign at my company.

How I politely declined: oh sorry, I'm a bit too busy with my personal life and work projects this year.

My unpopular opinion I couldn't say: it doesn't align with my values.

Movember raises money and promotes awareness of Men's health. Nothing wrong with the organisation themselves, but frankly I think the paltry couple of thousand of dollars our (pretty large) company manages to raise each year is a waste of time.

If we taxed corporations a fraction of a percent more on corporate profits we would bring is orders of magnitude more money than individuals asking others, out of the kindness of the hearts, for money.

Health research shouldn't have to beg for money, the government should just fund it with tax dollars. Taxes that you don't get to choose to pay. Other than by voting.

I hate fun runs, and do subtly judge those who participate in them, especially because (I think) they skew towards wealthier people, and it's their way of making themselves feel good for raising money for cancer or whatever, and then turn around and vote for tax cuts, and use accountants to make their tax liability as low as possible - something poorer people can't afford.

I used to give money to charity when I was younger. But I honestly think it's silly now, and it ought not have to exist.

(Mods, this is politics adjacent, but I feel is general enough to be compliant, since I'd say most people view charity organisations mostly favourably)

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'm not too fond of most charities, but donate to a select few that I consider aren't money-laundering machines or straight up get-rich schemes for their founders, and of course I donate to open-source. In the absence of a functional system, what options do you think we have to bridge the gap?

I'm not saying you're doing nothing, but I often see the attitude that it's not worth doing anything until something has changed, but not doing anything is a guaranteed way to never bring about change. That attitude (again, not saying you have it) feels like either giving up or looking for an excuse to do nothing.

[–] MisterFrog 8 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'm not advocating for doing nothing (and appreciate the way you phrased your criticism giving me the benefit of the doubt)

I think specifically my position is that the solution is political, and a better motivated voting base, who understands the value of not reducing taxes and public funding.

I don't think (all) charities are a waste, and think many orgs do a decent job.

However, I think I didn't make it clear that I find people feeling good about giving to charity, and encouraging others to do so by framing it as a "feel good" thing, rubs me the wrong way because I believe charities who perform core functions are a symptom of the fact we're underfunding vital services.

I'm not telling people to not donate to charity, but I think it's high time people stop believing that they've done their part for society, when voting to fix the system (absolutely, 100% possible where I'm from, which is Australia, one of the wealthiest countries in the world) would be much, much, more impactful that giving some money to a charity.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 day ago

That is a nuanced take I very much do agree with. Thank you for explaining.