Angelina and Brad. Madonna. Matt Damon. Even Paris Hilton has jumped on board. Philanthropy has become increasingly attractive. Not trying to be cynical here, but I am pretty sure that helping the poor is the new black. In an era of corporate social responsibility (which has remained despite financial downturn), of celebrities adopting babies from impoverished countries, and even of local coffee shops promoting “fairly traded” coffee, helping the poor has blossomed into a cultural imperative.
Indeed, the world is ripe for it–the internet connects us better than ever before across borders that separate wealthy countries from poor ones. And facebook allos us to broadcast our interests and day to day realities.
But I cannot help but wonder whether the paramount examples of selflessness in the face of poverty would approve. Would Mother Teresa, who lived most of her adult life without shoes that fit, approve of us broadcasting our philanthropy on twitter? “I just gave a loan to an entrepreneur today!” (I am pretty sure that is one of my tweets). Would Mohammed Yunus grin at the reality that his microfinance has turned into an opportunity for investment rather than on a focus on the poorest of the working poor?
THIS ARTICLE in the Financial Times really made me start thinking about the blessings and the pitfalls of the popularity of helping the poor. What a great reminder to be circumspect and thoughtful with both my interest in the poor and also with my social networking surrouding that interest.
I’m not quite sure what I feel when I see celebrities seeking to help the poor, while at the same time making sure that it is broadcast to the world as a self-image/ego boost. I do see a positive side to celebrities using their popularity to promote a worthy cause that would normally not get much attention from the average person….to me, Bono is a great example of this with the ONE Campaign. But when they become the focal point rather than the needs of the poor, it becomes a problem. As Christians, we are instructed to help and serve “the least of these”. Why not do it quietly, drawing as little attention as possible? You’re not doing it to make yourself feel good, you’re doing it as unto Christ, seeking to become more like Him and hopefully bringing others into relationship with Him.
Jesus knew the hypocrisy of the rich making a show of their donations! However, it is better to help the helpless by money from a self centered hypocrite, then lack the resources to provide help!