I came across a new term this week, welfare tourism. I got it from an article in a local English paper. For fear of defamation charges, I will refrain from calling it a tabloid.
In it, it spoke of welfare tourism, which is something people from rich countries do to make their lives meaningful, and supposedly brings desperately needed help to people in poorer countries like places in Africa.
More information can be found in the Saturday issue.
The point is, to question ourselves, of our aims and objectives when we extend a helping hand. Who are we doing it for? Are there truly altruistic sacrifices for people we've never seen or heard of? Or are these community projects for the simple selfish reason of self-glorification and part of our ego- and resume-building exercise? Or is it something even simpler like the confirmation of our existence.
If it is the latter, should we then not engage in such activities? Or does the result justify the intention?
In the end, intention, means and end, which one is the guiding principle?
No comments:
Post a Comment