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)
Taxes should obviously pay more, and a systemic overhaul is much preferable to charity. However, since the systematic overhaul hasn't happened yet, us giving charity and reducing some suffering is better than nothing, while we can be simultaneously fighting for systemic change. Obviously only if you're in a financial position to do so.
The charity you choose can make a big difference in how much of your money actually goes to the thing you're trying to assist with, too. For instance, if you want to help animals, rather than donating to a large national charity, consider checking if your local animal shelter needs / accepts donations. If you want to help the homeless, donate to a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. There'll be less administrative costs and more of the money going towards the thing you're trying to donate to, plus you'll be helping your local community directly.
Yeah it's better than nothing, and I'm not entirely against giving to charity. I'm mostly mad that people (most) seem to have the opinion that the act of donating to a charity is something to feel good about.
Because it's not good. And often I would argue people giving to charity makes them feel good in a way that's actually unhelpful if they then vote for parties who minimise tax and defund the services that then the charities need to do even more of.
If someone has money to donate, I'd argue this is money much better spent on advocacy groups to fight for those systematic changes, rather than the service itself.
The ones who do both, yeah, that's also great.
I take your point, and do agree charities do good, and that in a society where it's not fixed, giving something to charity can do good. Just that I'm sick of people feeling too good about it.
This is really important @MisterFrog@lemmy.world
I'm not sure if you meant it this way, but this came across quite caring about my wellbeing, and I really appreciate that friend.
I get a bit grumpy, but overall I'm not too angry at the world.
Well, not all the time anyway ;)
Have a good one mate.