thoughts

Any help is good. I will begin by saying that. But I have some observations. I have been trying to find ways to articulate it fairly because I already anticipate some of the offended reactions. Generally, I am irritated with what I think is a superficial approach to volunteerism in the wake of Saturday's floods. While FB has been useful in mobilizing people and informing them where donations can be made, which areas are dangerous, etc., I think we can do without the self-aggrandizing status updates.

I found some comments, although innocuous, disturbing upon further reflection. Many people have talked about how "good it feels to help" and that those helping should feel "proud" of themselves. First of all, I don't think one should feel good after helping. One should feel upset and concerned that there's never enough that can be done. To say it feels so good to help seems to me a bit self-satisfied, re-directing focus on the person giving rather than the calamity and those in need of help. It's a bit sickening. There's no reason to pat ourselves on the back for giving someone a can of sardines when they've lost everything.