Thanks so much for sharing some original and thought-provoking musings and questions on this very complex and often fraught topic, Rachel. I am especially struck by the concept that, all too often in conversations about giving, we as foreigners center ourselves and fail to consider the perspective, experience, and motivations of the people requesting money or other resources, and also the wider context within which these interactions are taking place. The key traits of humility and gratitude that you mention are so crucial in this and, I would venture to say, all situations in life. Just in the past few days since my initial reading of this post the ideas you've raised have helped me begin the process of changing some of my thoughts, feelings, and perspectives when I find myself in interactions involving requests and giving.
This is a very complicated subject. I remember when I was a college student studying abroad; a lot of complicated feelings arose when strangers asked me for money. I resented it at times, thinking they made the assumption that I was rich based on my skin color and where I came from (I was a college student, I didn’t feel very rich). But as my time there went on, I realized a lot of other things about my presence there, such as the possibility that some communities maybe didn’t want me there, for various reasons. Such a pertinent topic and I love the perspective you give in this article.
Thank you for raising these important questions and offering a more balanced perspective on these types of exchanges.
This is so thoughtful and provocative. Thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing some original and thought-provoking musings and questions on this very complex and often fraught topic, Rachel. I am especially struck by the concept that, all too often in conversations about giving, we as foreigners center ourselves and fail to consider the perspective, experience, and motivations of the people requesting money or other resources, and also the wider context within which these interactions are taking place. The key traits of humility and gratitude that you mention are so crucial in this and, I would venture to say, all situations in life. Just in the past few days since my initial reading of this post the ideas you've raised have helped me begin the process of changing some of my thoughts, feelings, and perspectives when I find myself in interactions involving requests and giving.
This is a very complicated subject. I remember when I was a college student studying abroad; a lot of complicated feelings arose when strangers asked me for money. I resented it at times, thinking they made the assumption that I was rich based on my skin color and where I came from (I was a college student, I didn’t feel very rich). But as my time there went on, I realized a lot of other things about my presence there, such as the possibility that some communities maybe didn’t want me there, for various reasons. Such a pertinent topic and I love the perspective you give in this article.