True Charity

by Se Yoon

The lecture we had in class today was about what true charity is all about. This topic is very relevant to us, given the recent typhoon that struck the Philippines. The effect of the typhoon was devastating. So many people have lost their homes, belongings, and their loved ones. The people of affected areas are in dire need of help and this is the perfect time that calls for an act of charity.

But then I began to wonder, I know it is natural that people are volunteering themselves in various relief operations and are donating money, food, and clothing, but why don’t they continue it during the times without typhoon or other calamities? It seems that the acts of charity are born out of necessity only. If we are to follow the spirit of true charity, shouldn’t our actions continue even after the calamities have passed?
What I am trying to point out is that there are people out there who need a helping hand even when there are no calamities. There are people who live in poverty and every single day for them is a struggle for survival. I am not saying that we should volunteer ourselves for 365days, but we can dedicate ourselves to help these people other than the times of calamities. Instead of going abroad during our vacation, we can volunteer ourselves to help these people. I think sacrificing our vacation and helping the poor shows what true charity means.


I am not saying that the charity works being done during calamities are hypocritical charity. I am pretty sure people are extending their hands because they truly care for their fellow countrymen. But then if we are capable of helping in times of calamities, then we are also capable of helping in times of peace also. Don’t stop your charity works just because the situation has been calmed down, continue your works and push it even further. I think this is the perfect time to show themagisquality of Ateneans and also what true charity means.

Charity

by Inah Robles

Paul Ricoeur reminds us of what charity is truly about. It's the act of being selfless, giving without expecting anything in return, and it's the genuine desire to help those in need. However, Yolanda and the events which have transpired made me realize that it is difficult to be charitable-in it's truest sense in our society for three main reasons.

The first reason, is many have conflated the idea of charity and self-gratification. They want to help, because they want to show others they are "helpful", they are "kind" hence the abundance of selfies captured in relief centers. This is dangerous because we must remember that charity is not about yourself, but it's about others. You do not help the poor because it makes YOU feel good, but rather you help them because you know that as human beings, they deserve more. Making them tools for our happiness is no better than treating them as second class citizens, you rob them of their own dignity.

Secondly, we have simplified the idea of charity. Many think that just because you share, you are automatically charitable. The common excuse i hear is "at least I gave something". This mindset is upsetting because charity isn't giving for the sake of giving. The intentions behind the action must be considered as well, it is about genuinely wanting to help out. When one gives for the sake, it becomes tokenistic. Though it may help others, it surely does not depict what charity really is.

More than that, this mindset of "at least i helped"  makes it harder to help those in need. It allows people to feel complacent, instead of aiming to do more, many become content with the little they can give--even when they can achieve and contribute so much more.

Lastly, even in the best case scenario where someone is charitable by Ricoeur's definition; it is very hard to practice it. With the skepticism surrounding NGO's and government agencies it makes it difficult for people to donate their hard earned money knowing that there is a great propensity for corruption to be present.

It is sad that the Philippines has come to this. Despite these problems, it is still very heartwarming to see others help out and sacrifice in order to help the victims of Yolanda. I am just hoping that they remember what charity is all about. It's about being a man for others, not for yourself.

How Far Can Charity Go?

by Thomas Manalac

The trailer blurb says:

"In a time when America's economy and sense of community were crumbling, one guy left everything behind--to see if he could survive solely on the support of the 21st century's new town square: Craigslist. It was in this climate that 29-year-old Joseph Garner cut himself off from everyone he knew and everything he owned, to embark on a bold adventure. Armed with only a laptop, cell phone, toothbrush, and the clothes on his back--alongside the hope that community was not gone but just had shifted--Joseph began his journey. For 31 December days and nights, everything in his life would come from the Craigslist website. From transportation to food, from shelter to companionship, Joe would depend on the generosity of people who had never seen him and whose sole connection to him was a giant virtual swap meet. Would America help Joe? Could he survive with nothing, apart from the goodwill of others?"

The class might find it interesting and relevant as it tackles the disappearing sense of community in society due to isolation caused by technology and media.