When Charity Is All About Clout

Some time back, I wrote on the blockchain on a similar topic to the one in this post. Not totally the same, but close enough as regards the bone of contention. It's on the subject of charity, which seems to be common in our world today. It's something that when you hop on the Internet and social media, you'll find several of these acts, mostly carried out by individuals and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Could it be that people really understood what it means to be of service to others and not just live for themselves? Have people understood impactful living and the need to bring hope to those it seems far from, and a better life for the underprivileged? I mean, it's a good thing and really touching to witness some of these acts of charity. It's a digital world, so these things fly easily on the Internet and social media.

We must have seen some of them, especially the ones that went viral, where someone was just located, helped and even more help was pulled from the online community, changing their lives. Such moments are indeed beautiful. But beyond that and the feelings such moments bring, they tend to leave positive and inspiring messages. These acts are some of the things that add beauty to life; we can't deny that. They give reason to live hopeful and impactful lives.

While all of that is true, there's a reality that exists beyond the charitable acts we see or experience. It's in a way becoming obvious that the underlying reality is true, and more than just a premonition about some charity. What is it? That people carrying out acts of charity might be doing it for clout, not because they're really interested in helping the people they seem to help. Not just clout, but also to extort and spend funds received on themselves.

It's disdainful to find people doing this. Taking the troubling, horrific and real-life concerns of people as an opportunity to chase clout is certainly a thing of disdain that shouldn't even be considered. Sadly, we're in a world where the Internet and social media have made people crazy for anything so many have no boundaries about the things they could do to gain the clout the online world sells. Beyond that, it's a mockery of the plight of the needy ones.

It's so because people's conditions are nothing more than an opportunity to make a name for themselves. Acts of charity shouldn't be self-seeking but a selfless service to help those who need it. But maybe we can look away from the intentions and look at the things they do at least since they are helping people, right? No, because this is how such people receive and spend funds meant for the needy, doing little to nothing in the end.

Nobody's plight should be mocked, and certainly not in this manner that camouflages as help. I can understand that people could excuse this because of how terrible their situation is and help is what they desperately need. I won't appreciate someone helping me with the motive to chase clout. I don't think I would accept such help, even though some situations could make one consider receiving the help and ignoring the motive behind it.

Image is AI generated.

Thank you for reading!