this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2024
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Unpopular Opinion

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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] 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Your assumption that all people who participate in charity oppose greater public services is false.

[–] MisterFrog 7 points 1 day ago

Fair enough, my more nuanced opinion is that there is a large number of people who do give to charity, feel good about it, spread the opinion that it's a feel good thing, and do indirectly cause voters to feel like they already give enough money to charity and higher taxes are unfair. I am aware this opinion is unpopular, hence the post to get it off my chest haha

People participating in charity aren't wrong, just the perception that it's something to advocate people giving to, without also advocating for stronger public services in the same breath.

My title was perhaps a little click-baity.

I don't dislike charity, I dislike people (and charities) encouraging others to give money to charity, without also advocating for better public services via taxation. And many, many charities don't do this, which I don't understand since many charities also get public funding (at least in my state of Victoria, Australia, they do)

This opinion is also subject to the relative stability of the government you live under. In my case, very stable, and totally doable.