Avoiding Anonymity
Dear Carmen,A phenomenon has exploded in recent months in the online community. A lot of people who would otherwise never beg on the street are now begging on the street corners of the internet through fundraising websites like GoFundMe. The increased activity made me wonder if there was a difference between the two.
Why is it socially acceptable to "fund-raise" on the internet to help cover medical expenses, but it is not acceptable for a person to "beg" on a street corner to help that person eat? One answer is simply this: Eye to eye contact.
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| What is the difference? |
Unlike the person you meet on the street, there is no guilt attached to ignoring an online request because you never have to look the person in the eye. You never have to look at another human face and basically say, "You are not worth my time and energy to help." The anonymity of the internet makes it easier to pretend the beggars do not exist.
I am not saying you should give to every person that asks, though it would be excellent if you could. What I am saying is do not let the faceless nature of the internet stifle your concern for human suffering. I plan on writing you a letter on the difference between helping people worldwide vs helping people in your own backyard, so do not think I mean for you to save the whole world. No one person can do that. None.
Instead of being cynical of the beggars on the internet, perhaps you and I must be less cynical of the beggars in our lives and on our streets. Instead of clicking to the next page, perhaps you and I should seek out people around us who are hurting and in need of something we can actually help them with. That brings to mind a discussion on discerning need...that will have to come later.
I'll end this letter by saying this: The internet makes it easier to help with money and to say no by ignoring. The real world is a lot messier and a lot more fruitful. Find a real person, and give them some real help. It doesn't have to be a beggar, but it can be. In fact, go find a real live beggar, and ask what you can do to help. Be safe. Be loving. Be a person who help people live better.
