Social Question

ZEPHYRA's avatar

Do you notice people including yourself are becoming more or less charitable these days?

Asked by ZEPHYRA (21750points) July 5th, 2015

As unemployment rises and life gets harder and harsher, do you feel people are more philanthropic or the same as always?

Have you ever walked up to a person digging in the garbage or sleeping in the street with ten or twenty dollars and just given the money to him\her?

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10 Answers

stanleybmanly's avatar

I’ve noticed nothing of the sort! What I have noticed is the increasing urgency as well as frequency of those who either volunteer or feel themselves forced to the begging profession. As for my charitable distributions, I admit nothing and strongly recommend from experience that those so inclined to charitable endeavors do so a quietly and anonymously as possible.

Pandora's avatar

I’ve actually been more charitable to the people physically in the streets. I use to give to charities until I found that most of them are crooks that keep 85 percent or more and then give the rest to the actual charity. Not to mention they give everyone your phone number and you never get a moments of peace again. So I no longer give to phone solicitors of any kind. I do give to some charities via mail only. And only the ones I know keep a high percentage of the charity money for what it was intended.

I would have to say charity is about the same. Some people who were generous may no longer be but some people who were not in the past have changed. I think people go through different stages in their life that makes them take on new perspectives and act according to their conscious.

zenvelo's avatar

No, just the opposite. And unemployment isn’t rising.

dappled_leaves's avatar

No. I generally notice I am less charitable when I have less money to share, though. Perhaps that’s what you’re seeing.

elbanditoroso's avatar

I’m getting more selective – maybe even more demanding. I won’t give to a person on the street. I will give to a ‘real’ charity, although, as @Pandora notes, you have to be very selective to make sure your money is being spent properly.

I will not give to charities that never show results. (And some of the biggest charities you are familiar with essentially never accomplish any scientific breakthroughs).

I also tend to NOT give as much to health/disease related charities. Much more to civil liberties and intellectual freedom.

longgone's avatar

I am suspicious of the phrase “these days”, especially when applied to human behaviour.

I haven’t noticed more or less charity. I agree with @dappled_leaves in that it is easier to give money away when you feel safe. The amount of money which makes us feel safe varies, though. My dad has a lot more money than I do, but he still feels insecure.

Dutchess_III's avatar

Um, people seem to be as nice as they ever were, but there is a small faction, who, thanks to social media, who have the idea they’re more important than anyone else. But, they were assholes before social media. Social media just gives them an excuse, so they think.

josie's avatar

For some reason, I have always stuck to the 10% rule.

Mimishu1995's avatar

I think I do, to some degree. I used to pity all homeless people who sell stuff or beg for money on the street, until something told me (and I myself experienced) that a lot of them were putting on an act and took advantage of people’s kindness. I became more vary when some homeless person begs me to buy something. It feels sad but that’s the only way to ensure that I’m not conned.

And I don’t donate much, there are so few charities here. If anyone in need of money, tell me directly about their problem. I’ll try my best to help.

flutherother's avatar

I give to charities but not to individuals begging in the street.

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