Altruism

Is there such a thing as a truly altruistic gift or act? I remember having this discussion last semester in one of my sociology tutes. Personally, I don’t think there is, given that I don’t believe it’s possible to give without gaining something - even if it’s intangible, such as a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you’re doing something good. That said, however, I don’t believe this must necessarily lessen the worth in the altruistic deeds themselves. After all, you have done something good - something which benefits others. The feeling it gives you is just a nice by-product of this giving.

As some of you might know, I work as a volunteer tutor with the Sudanese community. As much as I’d like to think it’s altruistic, I know I personally gain a lot from it. I’ve met some amazing people who never cease to amaze me in terms of what they do and contribute, and I’ve also had the opportunity to become friends with those I’d probably otherwise not come into contact with.

I work primarily with a girl called Rejoice, who much like her name, is awesome. Sure, it does get frustrating when you are met with teenage apathy and a lack of appreciation of learning, language, science and maths (I think it’s common knowledge that I am a geek), but the friendship, potential to inspire a love (or at least a tolerance of learning) and being able to take them out to do fun things, like play games or seeing a movie makes up for it. I remember taking Rejoice and her younger sisters to see Kung Fu Panda. The little one slept through 90% of it whilst using my friend as a pillow (seriously one of the cutest sights ever), whilst Rejoice was sitting forward in her seat, enthralled by the movie… it was fun, amusing and rewarding on so many levels. There is also a lot they teach me, such as how quickly a giant tub of popcorn is reduced to nothing but greasy cardboard. However, at this stage, whilst I’ve now revisited fractions, basic science and many a Dr. Seuss book, I’ve still yet to learn any Arabic from my students. I know, I suck.

Hmm… I think I’ve managed to digress (surprise, surprise). My intention behind this blog post was to attempt to get more people involved in acts of altruism. I don’t expect everyone to make long terms commitments which can take up many hours of their time or committing to long term monetary donations such as sponsoring a child given that many are already trying to get by on sparse monetary funds. Though of course, we all do have it a lot better than most of the world, and I do believe we constantly forget how lucky we actually are.. [As a side note to my ex (who I have previously promised never to mention by name), I hope Fatima is still being looked after, i.e. you haven't blown my half of the funds on poker or to acquire an iPhone.]

Back to the point, I can think of one simple thing, currently in need of community support, which I believe many of you can get behind… The Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

Almost anyone aged between 16 and 70, who weighs more than 45kg and is in reasonably good health is a potential blood donor. More conditions do obviously do apply to ensure the safety of those receiving transfusions, but unless you inject drugs using dirty syringes and solicit sex workers etc., chances are you are eligible. Also, as someone who first started donating at the age of 16 and is still scared of needles, it really isn’t as scary or painful as you imagine (for instance, the cervical cancer vaccine shots hurt much more) so don’t keep making excuses! There are many centres located throughout the country and mobile stations which do the rounds at destinations near you… click here to find convenient locations.

When you think about it, one hour of your life every three months to give the gift of life is hardly too much to ask. Your body will also regenerate the amount of blood given in less than a day. So please do something special and donate blood. I am tempted to say that it’s something money can’t buy, but given the system in the USA, clearly that’s not true. Personally, I like the system we have in place here, but unless people donate (and continue to do so), there is the possibility of having to buy blood supplies. This happened in the UK not that long ago - stocks were so depleted they actually purchased supplies from the USA. Do we really need it to come to that?

I wish I could still donate, but I can’t. I used to be borderline at 45.5kgs, but now, apparently they can tell just by simply looking at me that I don’t meet weight requirements. I shall work on gaining three to four kgs… but in the mean time, I can only spread the word… So go donate! Not only could you potentially be saving lives, it will make you feel 72% better about yourself, and 39% more attractive to the opposite sex.

~ by chenisms on July 26, 2008.