Dawkins argues that humans will help other people selfishly due to their genetic similarity. Though I am helping another, I am ultimately helping myself by contributing the survival of my genes they possess.
Dawkins happens to be wrong. To be selfish, I need to behave in a way that benefits me. In order to make his claim true, that helping my genes is selfish, my genes must be me.
I am not my genes. Now, I have an intimate connection to my genes to be sure. I wouldn't exist without my genes. My development and continued survival depends on my genes. Someone with a set of my genes may be able to manufacture someone similar to me in many ways.
But I am not my genes, and my genes are not me. If you think you are your genes, then I apologize. It sucks to be you. You can wander about as a set of replicating, twisted nucleic acid pairs. The rest of us will continue in the swirling and nuanced flux of humanity.
Why genes, particularly? I couldn't live without the food I eat. I need it to develop and survive. I may be constituted by my genes, as I am constituted by my food. By why stop with food? I need air, mineral nutrients, environmental interactions, human relationships, personal experiences, and a whole host of other things in order to exist as I am.
I am in part my genes, perhaps. Just as I am in part the water I drink, the food I eat, the people I love, and the work I do.
So am I being selfish to protect the elements of which I am made? Am I selfish to protect air? Water? Minerals? The people I love? At what point do I start protecting the other?
To argue I protect all of creation to selfishly perpetuate my existence is really holding the candle for selfishness. Isn't it equally true that I protect myself to honor the existence of that which I am made?
In fact, a genetic view of humanity can be very other focused. Perhaps the only reasons I care for myself is to honor the genes given to me by my ancestors and to preserve them for my progeny.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Worth Dying For? Worth Fighting For?
There is a difference between "worth dying for" and "worth fighting for."
Something is worth dying for if we believe the person or cause is precious beyond expression. We die for things we love. We die for things that we can't imagine living without. We give our lives in desperate hours when all other hope is lost, all other options have been tried, or when time runs out. The martyrs blood wets the mortar used to build a better world.
"Worth fighting for" can mean a few things. If by fighting we metaphorically mean struggling, then anything worth dying for is worth fighting for. But if by fighting we mean actual fighting, violence, and killing, then we have something completely else.
To kill for a cause is to say that the life of the individual we are killing is less valuable than our mission. It is to cast away the worth of another for the sake of what we consider greater than them. It is to fail creatively, to throw away the hopeful project of vision, and to live in a bitter world of zero sum scenarios.
I contend many things are worth dying for. Our loved ones. The fate of the environment. Justice for all people. Attention for the unattended. Hope, healing, and mercy.
I simultaneously contend that few, IF ANY, things are worth killing for. I cannot imagine the road to a "better" world paved with the bodies. I do not believe justice can ever be achieved without mercy. No life, however vile it may appear to us, can ever be cast off because we have plans.
Something is worth dying for if we believe the person or cause is precious beyond expression. We die for things we love. We die for things that we can't imagine living without. We give our lives in desperate hours when all other hope is lost, all other options have been tried, or when time runs out. The martyrs blood wets the mortar used to build a better world.
"Worth fighting for" can mean a few things. If by fighting we metaphorically mean struggling, then anything worth dying for is worth fighting for. But if by fighting we mean actual fighting, violence, and killing, then we have something completely else.
To kill for a cause is to say that the life of the individual we are killing is less valuable than our mission. It is to cast away the worth of another for the sake of what we consider greater than them. It is to fail creatively, to throw away the hopeful project of vision, and to live in a bitter world of zero sum scenarios.
I contend many things are worth dying for. Our loved ones. The fate of the environment. Justice for all people. Attention for the unattended. Hope, healing, and mercy.
I simultaneously contend that few, IF ANY, things are worth killing for. I cannot imagine the road to a "better" world paved with the bodies. I do not believe justice can ever be achieved without mercy. No life, however vile it may appear to us, can ever be cast off because we have plans.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Community and Outreach
Passport to ASU is an orientation activity that offers student organizations the opportunity to drum up new members from incoming freshmen. Groups get a six by three foot table and most, apparently, bring brightly colored posters and tchotchkes to distract or attract passerbys. Many organizations bring two or three recruiters, others had small armies.
I, for my part, had a notebook to sign up interested members, a six by four inch sign printed by Passport, two stacks of pamphlets, and an example of the purple backpacks we take on outreach.
I was also all by my lonesome.
I will admit I felt a bit silly "setting up," which consisted of neatly stacking my brochures. The organization across from me had at least six advocates, clearly good friends and the product of a strong community. They also had an ongoing slideshow, official sign up forms, and of course, a brightly colored three panel poster - complete with pictures of events and neatly hand printed titles and tag lines.
But as I stood at my meager display as the last minute before the event started passed, I decided I was going to be awesome. I had an important message to share. And the homeless needed these people.
So when the first students began to pass, I started hooking them in. Not standing behind the table, but in front, angled so they would all but face me as they passed. I had the desire to cross my arms, but forced myself to put my hands on each of my hips (making me more open, and harder to miss).
"Hi." I'd smile.
"Interested in joining a new student organization?" I'd smile.
"Ever heard of Stand Up For Kids?" I'd smile.
And so it began. If I got a slight response to my causal social exchanges, I'd push to the next question. Once they were listening, usually they were interested. If you know me, you can imagine. If you don't, suffice it to say that I'm overly energetic and ardently passionate. Person after person, pitch after pitch. Some I have to sell. Others are interested from the outset. By the end of the night I've given out about 200 pamphlets to somewhat interested parties, gotten contact info for 57 very interested parties, and given out wish lists to about 75 members of other organizations who may partner with us.
Not bad, considering I was all alone, right? Sort of. Truth be told, I believe that being alone had huge advantages.
My lovely, well prepared neighbors? They talked to each other all night. Their community, in this case, limited their outreach. In a way, they already had everything they needed. A well developed program, loyal and dedicated staff... perhaps they only needed a few more to continue with the status quo.
Me on the other hand, I was there desperately seeking help so that this idea that existed in about three people's head wouldn't get snuffed out. And I had no fellows to chat with. No buddies to break the awkwardness of strangers oogaling the booth. If I wanted to talk, I had to start a conversation with the strangers and make them friends.
This of course has immediate practical implications. Be wary of simply stuffing the roster of people participating in these events. More promoters doesn't always mean better. There was one organization that outsold me, a group of five who did not distract each other, but rather all were outwardly focused. They could and did engage more people at any one time. Lesson here: choose people who won't cling to each other to promotion events.
But there is a second, still practical, though abstract lesson to be learned also. Community can contribute to inwardness. As a group of people comes to know, trust, and rely up on each other, the outward mission of the group will change. People's hearts can fill, and the need that once drove them to create a community will be satisfied. While we WANT our communities to bring us peace, that peace can cause the outreach of an organization to cool.
This isn't a terrible occurrence, but it can be to the detriment of an organization, particularly if an outward thrust is part of its mission. So keep this tension in mind: While the desire for community motivates outreach and successful outreach can develop meaningful community, "too much" community can stifle outreach, which may lead to the eventual dissolution of community.
I, for my part, had a notebook to sign up interested members, a six by four inch sign printed by Passport, two stacks of pamphlets, and an example of the purple backpacks we take on outreach.
I was also all by my lonesome.
I will admit I felt a bit silly "setting up," which consisted of neatly stacking my brochures. The organization across from me had at least six advocates, clearly good friends and the product of a strong community. They also had an ongoing slideshow, official sign up forms, and of course, a brightly colored three panel poster - complete with pictures of events and neatly hand printed titles and tag lines.
But as I stood at my meager display as the last minute before the event started passed, I decided I was going to be awesome. I had an important message to share. And the homeless needed these people.
So when the first students began to pass, I started hooking them in. Not standing behind the table, but in front, angled so they would all but face me as they passed. I had the desire to cross my arms, but forced myself to put my hands on each of my hips (making me more open, and harder to miss).
"Hi." I'd smile.
"Interested in joining a new student organization?" I'd smile.
"Ever heard of Stand Up For Kids?" I'd smile.
And so it began. If I got a slight response to my causal social exchanges, I'd push to the next question. Once they were listening, usually they were interested. If you know me, you can imagine. If you don't, suffice it to say that I'm overly energetic and ardently passionate. Person after person, pitch after pitch. Some I have to sell. Others are interested from the outset. By the end of the night I've given out about 200 pamphlets to somewhat interested parties, gotten contact info for 57 very interested parties, and given out wish lists to about 75 members of other organizations who may partner with us.
Not bad, considering I was all alone, right? Sort of. Truth be told, I believe that being alone had huge advantages.
My lovely, well prepared neighbors? They talked to each other all night. Their community, in this case, limited their outreach. In a way, they already had everything they needed. A well developed program, loyal and dedicated staff... perhaps they only needed a few more to continue with the status quo.
Me on the other hand, I was there desperately seeking help so that this idea that existed in about three people's head wouldn't get snuffed out. And I had no fellows to chat with. No buddies to break the awkwardness of strangers oogaling the booth. If I wanted to talk, I had to start a conversation with the strangers and make them friends.
This of course has immediate practical implications. Be wary of simply stuffing the roster of people participating in these events. More promoters doesn't always mean better. There was one organization that outsold me, a group of five who did not distract each other, but rather all were outwardly focused. They could and did engage more people at any one time. Lesson here: choose people who won't cling to each other to promotion events.
But there is a second, still practical, though abstract lesson to be learned also. Community can contribute to inwardness. As a group of people comes to know, trust, and rely up on each other, the outward mission of the group will change. People's hearts can fill, and the need that once drove them to create a community will be satisfied. While we WANT our communities to bring us peace, that peace can cause the outreach of an organization to cool.
This isn't a terrible occurrence, but it can be to the detriment of an organization, particularly if an outward thrust is part of its mission. So keep this tension in mind: While the desire for community motivates outreach and successful outreach can develop meaningful community, "too much" community can stifle outreach, which may lead to the eventual dissolution of community.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Equally Miraculous
To ask for your leg after it has been amputated, that's asking for a miracle.
It is equally miraculous, however, to ask for acceptance about the lost leg. To find peace and blessing in hardship is just as powerful a grace.
It is equally miraculous, however, to ask for acceptance about the lost leg. To find peace and blessing in hardship is just as powerful a grace.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Hero Hotlines
Running a hotline may be easier than it once was. Google Voice creates a new phone number, which can be linked to many other phones.
So instead of giving out a personal number, the Google Voice number can be given out. If you want to be called whenever someone calls the number, add your number to the account. If you want a break, just log back in and unclick the box.
While originally designed for a single user to coordinate all their phones, I see no reason why it couldn't be used to allow multiple users to share the burden of being the contact point for an organization.
So instead of giving out a personal number, the Google Voice number can be given out. If you want to be called whenever someone calls the number, add your number to the account. If you want a break, just log back in and unclick the box.
While originally designed for a single user to coordinate all their phones, I see no reason why it couldn't be used to allow multiple users to share the burden of being the contact point for an organization.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
In times of trouble
Know this:
When history looks back at these troubled times, it will remember that those who first changed themselves were the ones who changed the world... and history will call them nothing less than heroes.
When history looks back at these troubled times, it will remember that those who first changed themselves were the ones who changed the world... and history will call them nothing less than heroes.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Problem with Greater Goods
I don't often use the phrase, "the greater good." In fact, I don't much worry about greater and lesser goods, or figuring out which is which. I'm more interested in every good.
It's a classic form of moral thinking. Which of these two things are worth saving? In given dilemma, which virtue would you choose? Identifying the moral value of things is important, because when the shit hits the fan one might have to choose one thing over another.
I don't deny the fact that moral dilemmas occur. Sometimes one seems to be faced with a choice of evils; situations where every choice, even the choice to do nothing, is morally wrong. There are also positive moral dilemmas, occasions when only one positive opportunity can be pursued. When these happen, we have to make choices.
Despite this fact, I believe that a vast majority of problems can be solved creatively without need to violate any good, the greater or the lesser.
Ultimately, if something is priceless, there is no way to assess it's numeric worth. No price can be put on it's head. Because of this valuelessness, it makes no sense to trade, buy, or barter over such an item. Priceless things cannot properly participate in economies.
Now, most of us believe that a human's life is priceless. And most of us hold to the idea that no monetary value could or should ever be assigned to a person. We also generally think abdominal any economy that trades lives for money. Generally, we are against buying and selling human lives.
And yet, we are usually comfortable bartering human lives. Not that we think about it that way. But consider, when faced with a moral dilemma, a situation where the good of one person/group must be chosen over another person/group. Deciding that one is more valuable the other is to engage in a blind barter, trading lives based on ambiguous value, but going toward the one of greater value. Having chosen the thing of greater value, we feel justified in our choice.
I have real problems with this feeling of justification. Even if we are right, and chose the path of greater good over a lesser, a lesser good did not come to pass. Or, if we choose the lesser evil over the greater, we still did an evil. Such dilemmas are horrible situations that rob possibility and force wrong.
It should also be noted that pursuing greater goods often give people the notion that they can do all kinds of lesser evil. Bullshit. One cannot trade one good for another.
So kick the notion of the greater good. If at all possible, achieve all goods, every good, no matter how great or small. If limited by conditions and abilities, do the good you feel you must, but do not overly justify your choices. Admit to the wrongs that occurred, and find ways to heal what was broken.
It's a classic form of moral thinking. Which of these two things are worth saving? In given dilemma, which virtue would you choose? Identifying the moral value of things is important, because when the shit hits the fan one might have to choose one thing over another.
I don't deny the fact that moral dilemmas occur. Sometimes one seems to be faced with a choice of evils; situations where every choice, even the choice to do nothing, is morally wrong. There are also positive moral dilemmas, occasions when only one positive opportunity can be pursued. When these happen, we have to make choices.
Despite this fact, I believe that a vast majority of problems can be solved creatively without need to violate any good, the greater or the lesser.
Ultimately, if something is priceless, there is no way to assess it's numeric worth. No price can be put on it's head. Because of this valuelessness, it makes no sense to trade, buy, or barter over such an item. Priceless things cannot properly participate in economies.
Now, most of us believe that a human's life is priceless. And most of us hold to the idea that no monetary value could or should ever be assigned to a person. We also generally think abdominal any economy that trades lives for money. Generally, we are against buying and selling human lives.
And yet, we are usually comfortable bartering human lives. Not that we think about it that way. But consider, when faced with a moral dilemma, a situation where the good of one person/group must be chosen over another person/group. Deciding that one is more valuable the other is to engage in a blind barter, trading lives based on ambiguous value, but going toward the one of greater value. Having chosen the thing of greater value, we feel justified in our choice.
I have real problems with this feeling of justification. Even if we are right, and chose the path of greater good over a lesser, a lesser good did not come to pass. Or, if we choose the lesser evil over the greater, we still did an evil. Such dilemmas are horrible situations that rob possibility and force wrong.
It should also be noted that pursuing greater goods often give people the notion that they can do all kinds of lesser evil. Bullshit. One cannot trade one good for another.
So kick the notion of the greater good. If at all possible, achieve all goods, every good, no matter how great or small. If limited by conditions and abilities, do the good you feel you must, but do not overly justify your choices. Admit to the wrongs that occurred, and find ways to heal what was broken.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Forgetting
There are days that I forget why I'm doing it. Days I don't want to. Days I can't make sense of anything at all.
Now, I'm pretty good at self motivation. Little mind tricks, meditating on the positive, being grateful. But some days it just doesn't work.
I suppose that's where honor comes in. I said I would. Even when I forgot why I said it, I know that I did.
So I push on. Even if this time isn't a game breaker, its good training for the times that really count.
Now, I'm pretty good at self motivation. Little mind tricks, meditating on the positive, being grateful. But some days it just doesn't work.
I suppose that's where honor comes in. I said I would. Even when I forgot why I said it, I know that I did.
So I push on. Even if this time isn't a game breaker, its good training for the times that really count.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not Yet Enough
Disaster strikes, and we stand paralyzed.
Or perhaps we try to help, but our labor is for naught.
No one would fault us. No one would say that we were evil or wrong. Instead, they'd console us, saying we did everything we could. We tried.
But at what point are our competencies under our control? Sure, the first time a problem happened, no one would expect someone to be ready. But what about the second? Third? Worse yet, what about those problems we know exist? Are we to blame if we stand in perpetual impotence?
When did we decide to believe that our power to do the right thing was static? When did we conclude that we were as fit as we could be to serve the world?
I'd say, instead, that we are not yet enough. Not yet the people we need to be to solve our problems. It's not that I'm a pessimist. Notice the "yet."
Take a look at the problems in the world around you. Consider your gifts and resources. Then systematically hone your abilities.
Or perhaps we try to help, but our labor is for naught.
No one would fault us. No one would say that we were evil or wrong. Instead, they'd console us, saying we did everything we could. We tried.
But at what point are our competencies under our control? Sure, the first time a problem happened, no one would expect someone to be ready. But what about the second? Third? Worse yet, what about those problems we know exist? Are we to blame if we stand in perpetual impotence?
When did we decide to believe that our power to do the right thing was static? When did we conclude that we were as fit as we could be to serve the world?
I'd say, instead, that we are not yet enough. Not yet the people we need to be to solve our problems. It's not that I'm a pessimist. Notice the "yet."
Take a look at the problems in the world around you. Consider your gifts and resources. Then systematically hone your abilities.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Training
Ok, I'm thinking:
CPR
AED
Lifeguard
EMT
Class A Drivers Licence
Fire Extinguisher Training
Caregiving
Nurse Assistant Training
Conflict Negotiation
Critical Problem Solving
Health
Recycling
Mechanics
Marketing
Fundraising
Public Speaking
Logistics
Electronic Communication
Home Maintenance
Disaster Relief
Certified First Responder
Hexiyurt Construction
Wilderness Survival
outdoor Emergency Care
Construction
Leadership
Non-profit Management
Counseling
Swimming
Running
Flexibility
Social Networking
Writing
Photography
CPR
AED
Lifeguard
EMT
Class A Drivers Licence
Fire Extinguisher Training
Caregiving
Nurse Assistant Training
Conflict Negotiation
Critical Problem Solving
Health
Recycling
Mechanics
Marketing
Fundraising
Public Speaking
Logistics
Electronic Communication
Home Maintenance
Disaster Relief
Certified First Responder
Hexiyurt Construction
Wilderness Survival
outdoor Emergency Care
Construction
Leadership
Non-profit Management
Counseling
Swimming
Running
Flexibility
Social Networking
Writing
Photography
Friday, April 30, 2010
Pain Tolerance
While in the shelter I got into a friendly conversation with a guy in his late twenties. He was telling me very enthusiastically how he was now dating someone in Germany. After I congratulated him, he went on to explain his plan for visiting his new boyfriend. He needed to sort out the flight, but he would have three months to find a job in Germany. But first, he needed to get his teeth fixed.
He shows me his lower jaw, which has no teeth at all. The story is that one of his wisdom teeth became infected, and the infection spread. So he had to have all his teeth pulled.
"Ow, sounds painful," I say.
"No, I didn't feel anything. The gave me some gas, and then some Novocaine but, nah, I didn't feel a thing."
Very manly, I think to myself.
Conversation turns back to his boyfriend.
"He has two piercings. On in his lip - here - and one... a bit lower."
"Not his toe I assume," I reply.
"No, not his toe. Man, I could never get that thing pierced. Ouch."
...
Manly pain tolerance, it seems, does not include tolerance of penile pain. It it a performance of masculinity to be hyper protective of one's penis?
He shows me his lower jaw, which has no teeth at all. The story is that one of his wisdom teeth became infected, and the infection spread. So he had to have all his teeth pulled.
"Ow, sounds painful," I say.
"No, I didn't feel anything. The gave me some gas, and then some Novocaine but, nah, I didn't feel a thing."
Very manly, I think to myself.
Conversation turns back to his boyfriend.
"He has two piercings. On in his lip - here - and one... a bit lower."
"Not his toe I assume," I reply.
"No, not his toe. Man, I could never get that thing pierced. Ouch."
...
Manly pain tolerance, it seems, does not include tolerance of penile pain. It it a performance of masculinity to be hyper protective of one's penis?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Grant
Tomorrow, I stand before group of judges. Men and women gathered by my school to judge "innovation."
For my part, I have created a plan to save one part of my small corner of the world. I've proposed to take $2000 of their dollars and spend them on invigorating an organization that serves homeless youth.
The plan is pretty basic. Gonna improve their training so they they get a larger volunteer base. Gonna create a development program to improve their leadership core. And lastly, gonna bring together members of the community (and homeless kids themselves) to brainstorm ways of reaching out.
I'm pretty stoked. This homeless thing has been a long time in formulating. I'm grateful that some of the fire and mission that started me on this venture is coming back around to really help those people who need it.
$2000 isn't that much. Not even two months rent back in my old place. But its something. Its a start. Could be a tipping point.
So now it's time to do this thing. I've survived skin rashes, mice sleeping on my face, wet and freezing nights, constant sickness, sleeping on the floor of my office, biking 100 miles a week with no car, and not to mention terrifying cops.
I think I can handle a couple of judges.
For my part, I have created a plan to save one part of my small corner of the world. I've proposed to take $2000 of their dollars and spend them on invigorating an organization that serves homeless youth.
The plan is pretty basic. Gonna improve their training so they they get a larger volunteer base. Gonna create a development program to improve their leadership core. And lastly, gonna bring together members of the community (and homeless kids themselves) to brainstorm ways of reaching out.
I'm pretty stoked. This homeless thing has been a long time in formulating. I'm grateful that some of the fire and mission that started me on this venture is coming back around to really help those people who need it.
$2000 isn't that much. Not even two months rent back in my old place. But its something. Its a start. Could be a tipping point.
So now it's time to do this thing. I've survived skin rashes, mice sleeping on my face, wet and freezing nights, constant sickness, sleeping on the floor of my office, biking 100 miles a week with no car, and not to mention terrifying cops.
I think I can handle a couple of judges.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Effectiveness
Most altruists get over notions of social exchange. If I think someone else's life is as valuable as mine, I tend to do things for them without the expectation that they repay me.
But that isn't to say there are no expectations. Surely, being appreciated for an act of service is always nice, but that isn't really the kicker.
There is often the expectation that the service does something good. That our sacrifice was not in vein. People rarely do things for themselves that they don't think are going to work. So even if the value of another is mingled with the value of the self, if there is no chance that any intervention will work, action is unlikely.
This is important to keep in mind. As people who are striving to do good, hope is a crucial component. It is not enough to value the other. We must also foster the hopefulness that what we can do can help.
But that isn't to say there are no expectations. Surely, being appreciated for an act of service is always nice, but that isn't really the kicker.
There is often the expectation that the service does something good. That our sacrifice was not in vein. People rarely do things for themselves that they don't think are going to work. So even if the value of another is mingled with the value of the self, if there is no chance that any intervention will work, action is unlikely.
This is important to keep in mind. As people who are striving to do good, hope is a crucial component. It is not enough to value the other. We must also foster the hopefulness that what we can do can help.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Follow the manual
Many advocates of social exchange theory claim that altruism doesn't really exist. They point to the benefits of moral action, such as satisfaction, self esteem, the belief that good was done, and claim that those things were really the motivator. What seem to be altruistic persons are actually selfishly seeking their own satisfaction through helping others.
I find this patently ridiculous. For starters, how the hell do they know what motivates someone? Saying that everyone who ever did something good was really pursuing their own benefit is like saying that everyone who ever assembled something was really following the instruction manual.
Of course that's not true. There are people who manage to construct all sorts of things without ever looking at the instructions. But someone could of course come along, open the manual, and point to all the things that had been done.
Sure, but the truth of it is this: the crafter attended to the nature and structure of the task. He or she looked at the project, tried some things, felt around for what seemed best, used some intuition, and worked so that the ideal end came to pass. The fact that they performed as the manual deemed is due to the fact that the manual reflects the reality of the situation.
Likewise. Most moral decisions are made by looking, trying for some things, feeling around for what seems best, using some intuition, and working so that the ideal end comes to pass. And yes, this may follow a social scientific "manual" for how humans behave. It may be that altruists benefit from altruism. But this is due to the fact that benefits flow from the structure of morality, not the other way around.
Sure, some crafters use the manual, but others are directed by what is real. In this case, both the crafter's actions and the manual flow from what is real.
Similarly, some philanthropists do good to get good, but others are directed by what is good. In this case, both the altruist's actions and the benefits of helping others flow from what is good.
I find this patently ridiculous. For starters, how the hell do they know what motivates someone? Saying that everyone who ever did something good was really pursuing their own benefit is like saying that everyone who ever assembled something was really following the instruction manual.
Of course that's not true. There are people who manage to construct all sorts of things without ever looking at the instructions. But someone could of course come along, open the manual, and point to all the things that had been done.
Sure, but the truth of it is this: the crafter attended to the nature and structure of the task. He or she looked at the project, tried some things, felt around for what seemed best, used some intuition, and worked so that the ideal end came to pass. The fact that they performed as the manual deemed is due to the fact that the manual reflects the reality of the situation.
Likewise. Most moral decisions are made by looking, trying for some things, feeling around for what seems best, using some intuition, and working so that the ideal end comes to pass. And yes, this may follow a social scientific "manual" for how humans behave. It may be that altruists benefit from altruism. But this is due to the fact that benefits flow from the structure of morality, not the other way around.
Sure, some crafters use the manual, but others are directed by what is real. In this case, both the crafter's actions and the manual flow from what is real.
Similarly, some philanthropists do good to get good, but others are directed by what is good. In this case, both the altruist's actions and the benefits of helping others flow from what is good.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Constructing Identiteis
While with Stand Up tonight I met a man in a shelter whose son was in the age group we serve. He said his son was in the shower, and that he would go get him. After passing on the message, the father stood with us, explaining how his son had an open scholarship to a motorcycle management school, all he had to do was get his GED.
It struck me as interesting how quickly the homeless father offered this anecdote about his homeless son. The implicit message was clear: "My son isn't a bum, this is only a temporary thing."
It struck me as interesting how quickly the homeless father offered this anecdote about his homeless son. The implicit message was clear: "My son isn't a bum, this is only a temporary thing."
Friday, February 5, 2010
Danger Control
When people are exposed to fear appeals, there are two common responses, fear control and danger control.
Fear control is a maladaptive mechanism that involves reducing the fear the person is experiencing. This is done through a series of mental back-flips as the the thinker tries to feel better.
Danger control, on the other hand, invovles doing something about the problem.
Believing the world is a messed up place, for instance, is a form of fear control. If things are supposed to be fucked up, then there is less to be afraid of. Seeing a problem as someone else's problem is also fear control.
Perhaps the problem is we let ourselves think too much. When fear and uncertainty fire our nerves, how often do we seek calm? Should we instead seek action? Isn't that why there is adrenaline pumping through our veins?
Fear control is a maladaptive mechanism that involves reducing the fear the person is experiencing. This is done through a series of mental back-flips as the the thinker tries to feel better.
Danger control, on the other hand, invovles doing something about the problem.
Believing the world is a messed up place, for instance, is a form of fear control. If things are supposed to be fucked up, then there is less to be afraid of. Seeing a problem as someone else's problem is also fear control.
Perhaps the problem is we let ourselves think too much. When fear and uncertainty fire our nerves, how often do we seek calm? Should we instead seek action? Isn't that why there is adrenaline pumping through our veins?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Outreach
Tonight was my first formal experience with homeless outreach. I've been carrying food for the poor for some time now to cover chance meetings, but apart from pulling quick u-turns to feed a man on the other side of the street, I haven't ever engaged in deliberate service.
Until tonight. Stand Up For Kids is an outreach organization here in the Phoenix area (national organization, actually) whose mission is to provide food, clothing, and other life essentials along with further information and positive relationships. I was introduced to the organization through a student in public speaking.
The organization is in the process of setting up a youth house to increase its ability to serve these kids. Now, law prohibits actually housing homeless under 18 (more on this odd convergence of laws later). But the purpose of this house is to provide the other elements of the home during daylight hours. Its a place to shower, hang out, cook meals, access the food and clothing bank, check the internet... etc.
Outreach for tonight in Phoenix is to meet at the Youth House. I get there about twenty minutes early. I call the outreach lead to make sure I'm in the right place. I am. So I wait, idly picking at white flakes of paint barely hanging onto the building. I hope Stand Up For Kids is renting it for a good price. Should I really be piking at the paint? No. Guess I'll have to paint it. I spend a few minutes wondering how to get paint donated.
The other two people on outreach show. The lead, a woman in her early thirties two months pregnant with her second child, has been doing this for four years. The other woman, in her early sixties with two children a little younger than me, has been at it for a year.
We pack the leads car with supplies (the van we usually use is unregistered) and drive around to the local homeless teenage hang outs. No luck. My companions say its hard to keep up, because as soon as the teens really settle into a place, the cops come and move them on. Don't I know how that works.
So its off to the shelters. Won't find any under 18 year olds, but some 18 to 21, likely. We drive past a pretty rough place my companions call "The Overflow" on our way to CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Service). CASS is a extensive facility that provides lots of different resources and represents the coalition of many different homeless organizations. It's a pretty impressive collaboration.
And so it begins. Some of the youth are pretty ordinary. Maybe their clothes are a bit unwashed, but pretty unnoticable. In a group of teens it would be pretty hard to pick them out. As I said, some of them are normal. Others have either emotional or developmental issues. When I first meet any of them, its all shields. There's this jaded savvy persona that gets performed. A toughness, not unlike the toughness I remember from some of my kids in my youth program. Its the non-verbal "Nobody loves me but I don't give a damn."
Anyway, I remember a particular exchange between two 21 year olds. The one has a job lined up, but doesn't have identification. So he needs his birth certificate. The second guy warns the first that most of those birth certificate websites are trying to steal your identity and set up credit cards in your name. The first says he knows, and that while he thinks this site is legit, he's gonna check his credit in a few days to make sure no body opened up an account. I find it both sad and ironic that a 21 year old homeless youth doesn't have enough of an identity to get a drivers license or a job, but still has to worry about his identity getting stolen.
Some of the youth are inspiring. One young woman we spoke to had just gotten into school after getting her GED and was now working as a telemarketer. At the same time, another is telling about her plans to move to Philly. She's seven months pregnant, and she wants to be homeless in Philadelphia in February. Not what I'd call a solid plan.
Maybe outreach to homeless is less radical than I thought. I guess it depends on the night.
Until tonight. Stand Up For Kids is an outreach organization here in the Phoenix area (national organization, actually) whose mission is to provide food, clothing, and other life essentials along with further information and positive relationships. I was introduced to the organization through a student in public speaking.
The organization is in the process of setting up a youth house to increase its ability to serve these kids. Now, law prohibits actually housing homeless under 18 (more on this odd convergence of laws later). But the purpose of this house is to provide the other elements of the home during daylight hours. Its a place to shower, hang out, cook meals, access the food and clothing bank, check the internet... etc.
Outreach for tonight in Phoenix is to meet at the Youth House. I get there about twenty minutes early. I call the outreach lead to make sure I'm in the right place. I am. So I wait, idly picking at white flakes of paint barely hanging onto the building. I hope Stand Up For Kids is renting it for a good price. Should I really be piking at the paint? No. Guess I'll have to paint it. I spend a few minutes wondering how to get paint donated.
The other two people on outreach show. The lead, a woman in her early thirties two months pregnant with her second child, has been doing this for four years. The other woman, in her early sixties with two children a little younger than me, has been at it for a year.
We pack the leads car with supplies (the van we usually use is unregistered) and drive around to the local homeless teenage hang outs. No luck. My companions say its hard to keep up, because as soon as the teens really settle into a place, the cops come and move them on. Don't I know how that works.
So its off to the shelters. Won't find any under 18 year olds, but some 18 to 21, likely. We drive past a pretty rough place my companions call "The Overflow" on our way to CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Service). CASS is a extensive facility that provides lots of different resources and represents the coalition of many different homeless organizations. It's a pretty impressive collaboration.
And so it begins. Some of the youth are pretty ordinary. Maybe their clothes are a bit unwashed, but pretty unnoticable. In a group of teens it would be pretty hard to pick them out. As I said, some of them are normal. Others have either emotional or developmental issues. When I first meet any of them, its all shields. There's this jaded savvy persona that gets performed. A toughness, not unlike the toughness I remember from some of my kids in my youth program. Its the non-verbal "Nobody loves me but I don't give a damn."
Anyway, I remember a particular exchange between two 21 year olds. The one has a job lined up, but doesn't have identification. So he needs his birth certificate. The second guy warns the first that most of those birth certificate websites are trying to steal your identity and set up credit cards in your name. The first says he knows, and that while he thinks this site is legit, he's gonna check his credit in a few days to make sure no body opened up an account. I find it both sad and ironic that a 21 year old homeless youth doesn't have enough of an identity to get a drivers license or a job, but still has to worry about his identity getting stolen.
Some of the youth are inspiring. One young woman we spoke to had just gotten into school after getting her GED and was now working as a telemarketer. At the same time, another is telling about her plans to move to Philly. She's seven months pregnant, and she wants to be homeless in Philadelphia in February. Not what I'd call a solid plan.
Maybe outreach to homeless is less radical than I thought. I guess it depends on the night.
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