Altruism and Aid

The class discussion on Friday about whether doing something that helps the less fortunate is self-motivated reminded me of an article my friend had to read for his African Studies Class. It is a satirical piece called "How to Write about Africa." (Link: Click here) In it there are a ton of stereotypes writers utilize to evoke pity and guilt. Here's an excerpt:

"Among your characters you must always include The Starving African, who wanders the refugee camp nearly naked, and waits for the benevolence of the West. Her children have flies on their eyelids and pot bellies, and her breasts are flat and empty. She must look utterly helpless. She can have no past, no history; such diversions ruin the dramatic moment. Moans are good. She must never say anything about herself in the dialogue except to speak of her (unspeakable) suffering. Also be sure to include a warm and motherly woman who has a rolling laugh and who is concerned for your well-being. Just call her Mama. Her children are all delinquent. These characters should buzz around your main hero, making him look good. Your hero can teach them, bathe them, feed them; he carries lots of babies and has seen Death. Your hero is you (if reportage), or a beautiful, tragic international celebrity/aristocrat who now cares for animals (if fiction)."

This article, although satirical, brings to light the very mentality that was mentioned in class. People don't only do nice things because it helps other people. They do get attention. They do feel good about themselves afterwards. It would be foolish not to take these outcomes into consideration when trying to discern one's motivation. At the same time though, I think a lot of people really do care too.