A few days ago, I heard an inspiring sermon at church that made me realize that, as much as I really want an iPod, I have no moral right to buy myself one when there is such devastation in south Asia. I resolved to donate the money I had saved for an iPod to the tsunami relief effort. (Yarn Harlot also speaks of this issue in a recent entry - go read about what she's doing about.)
After making my decision, I felt very good about myself - quite morally suprerior.
But then yesterday I took a look at my finances and decided that I could donate the amount I had in mind AND still buy myself and iPod. So I ordered one, signing up for Audible and saving $100 on it, and donated money through the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
But of course now I realize: 1) I should have just donated MORE to the relief effort, because 2) I don't really NEED an iPod - I just really want one. I'm experiencing guilt.
So I will try to make amends by donating more money to humanitarian causes the next time I have some money to spare. Living in New York City, I am faced with the reality that, while I often feel financially squeezed, I'm actually very fortunate. Unlike too many in my community and around the world, I have plenty to eat, a roof over my head, a job, and people who would look out for me if something ever happened. I live in proximity to people who are truly in dire straights, and also to the most lavish excess. It's a strange place to live.
Addendum:
Check out this op-ed piece by Nicholas Kristof about the importance of relief to the millions of victims of less visible tragedies (like malaria and lack of education) around the world. I agree with him that we are usually stingy with our donations when we don't see images of horror on our TV screens.
It's hard isn't it? I tried to justify buying my knitting magazines yesterday using the same trick.
This "want vs need" thing makes you think.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 05, 2005 at 09:18 AM
Don't beat yourself up over the iPod. Along with loss and sadness there is joy in life. You were able to donate, right? The victims of the tsunami will need more money in the future and I'm sure you will donate again.
Enjoy your iPod. I think you'll like the offerings on Audible - I know I do.
Posted by: Susie | January 05, 2005 at 10:32 AM
Yeah, it *is* hard. There will always be someone who needs the money more than I need an iPod (or a knitting magazine, or a latte).
But I also agree with Susie, that joy is important. I don't spend excessively, I work hard for my money, and I think it's okay to treat myself every now and then. But I'm also committed to giving away a decent percentage to the causes that I believe in. I guess it's all a matter of balance.
Posted by: Alison | January 05, 2005 at 11:15 AM
It is a strange world we live in. The middle class is made to feel quilty because we can afford things that other generations never dreamed of. Yet, everyday we feel our rights threatened.
Enjoy the things that make you happy, donate what you can. Keep socially aware.
Posted by: Dympna | January 05, 2005 at 12:01 PM
This is a difficult one. Will the people of the Indian Ocean countries be any better off if you don't buy an Ipod? Probably not. We can't stop living our lives. But we need to be "ever mindful of the needs of others", as an old family table grace went. Figure out how much you can afford to send them, send it, and then live your life without guilt, and enjoy the amazing good fortune that we all have.
Posted by: Lorette | January 05, 2005 at 11:43 PM
I feel like a big booger cause I did something similar. I donated some money (not much at all, but I had to charge it cause I'm lacking in funds). And then today (after telling myself NO), I bought some yarn. Maybe I'm okay cause the yarn cost LESS than the donation was. But I still feel guilty.
I am, however, spending more time knitting for charity this year. That means, I'm actually going to DO IT. It's hard for me to part with money, but for some reason, it's a lot easier to part with something I knitted (even if it cost me money). Maybe I'm just overwhelmingly selfish and need to get something out of it other than a charitable feeling.
Posted by: Tipper | January 06, 2005 at 12:41 AM
Hi Alison,
Can you tell me where I can find the Alice *more cable scarf pattern you made for your husband?
I did a google search and nothing came up.
I agree, scarves can be very repetitive. But the one you made is great.
Thanks for reading,
Ann
Posted by: Ann | January 15, 2005 at 06:47 PM
hi Ann,
Glad you like it! It's not an actual scarf pattern, that's probably why you couldn't find it by googling. I used a stitch pattern that I found in Aran Knitting. It's in the beginning section where she has all the cable swatches. I added 4-stitch cables on either side of the main cable, plus an extra rib on either side of those. Hope that helps!
Posted by: Alison | January 16, 2005 at 08:39 AM
it's true about donations, in america we have so much... but to a certain point, there's not a lot we can do about it, because no matter how much you give it can't help as many people as there are in the world that need the money... it's a tough situation and it sucks, but your giving everything you have isn't going to give an end to world hunger... we can remain aware and give what we can...
Posted by: susan | February 20, 2005 at 04:59 AM