Comments on: How about doing something unfunny for money? http://citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/blogs/main/2009/03/11/how-about-doing-something-unfunny-for-money/ General musings from Citizenship Foundation staff Thu, 17 May 2012 06:16:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Andy Thornton http://citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/blogs/main/2009/03/11/how-about-doing-something-unfunny-for-money/#comment-411 Andy Thornton Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:48:10 +0000 http://citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/blogs/main/?p=59#comment-411 My theory is that the traditional British values around charitable giving and altruism are that we should keep our generosity quiet (part of the Christian legacy)and so there is a taboo around visible signs of support for charities. This is smashed by the vehicle of humour which then allows us to make a show of our caring because 'we're crazy' for a day. The only problem with this is that the best thing for charities is a steady pledge of donations every month which allows them to systematically plan and guage support rather than being at the vagaries of how well a fundraising day goes. But I'm not complaining - just wishing that our culture was a little different and that we had more ways to exhibit support for causes we believe in without being seen as pious or showy. After all, the case for support is clear as exhibited every Red Nose Day. Andy My theory is that the traditional British values around charitable giving and altruism are that we should keep our generosity quiet (part of the Christian legacy)and so there is a taboo around visible signs of support for charities. This is smashed by the vehicle of humour which then allows us to make a show of our caring because ‘we’re crazy’ for a day.

The only problem with this is that the best thing for charities is a steady pledge of donations every month which allows them to systematically plan and guage support rather than being at the vagaries of how well a fundraising day goes. But I’m not complaining - just wishing that our culture was a little different and that we had more ways to exhibit support for causes we believe in without being seen as pious or showy. After all, the case for support is clear as exhibited every Red Nose Day.

Andy

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