Are adverts for charity too invasive?

[Scoop 0]

I am sick of seeing adverts for charities on TV and in the papers and in magazines. Im well aware of the different causes thank you and if I want to donate I will.

I hate the way they use guilt to try and get funds, for example I seem to see most of the adverts for starving children around dinner time when im sitting eating a very lovely meal and scraping the left overs into the bin.

My Mum is a real sucker for this type of marketing and will donate. Surely this is unethical.

So I guess im half ranting, half asking what peoples opinion is.

[narcimund 0]

Turn off the television.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[Scoop 0]

Its not just on the TV though, its billboards, newspapers, magazines, people in the street trying to sign you up. Its no more than legalised begging. I think they are putting alot of people off by the way they persistantly harrass them. I understand the worthy causes but I find it as invasive as those marketing telephone calls you get

[narcimund 0]

Ok. Then don't turn off the television.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[Ian84 0]

Well I think my being slightly interrupted while watching the telly etc is a very small price to pay when you think of all the good that might come of it.

I do get really pissed at some of the people on the street though. One of them actually shouted "Shame on you" in a joking but still offensive manner at me!

[SpeedRacer 1]

I don't give out money on the street, personally. When I donate, I do it online or by mail or something, so that I can check out the charity & make sure it's a well-run organization.

Speed Racer
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[shropshire 0]

Like most people, I give to make Myself feel better not to make any real differences

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[Scoop 0]

Haha, I know that one. I dont give to charities abroad, but I do give to our local air ambulance. Now that is selfish! But it skind of a karma thing. I just figure the people that use it the most should make a contribution! The crews are getting sick of coming out apparantly

[warpedskydiver 0]

I like to donate with weapons training, and or resources...that way we can kill far more poor starving people than before! thusly making the food availible to them much more plentiful

[rehmwa 2]

the sales do not call list law specifically exempted charities - they are way too invasive and pushy - our government won't even allow us to ask them to buzz off

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[windcatcher 0]

I don't know that I would call most of those advertisements invasive, because people around the world ( yes, here in the U.S. too) desperately need help for resources.
Think about the millions of dollars Americans waste each year going out to eat,buying overpriced clothes, shoes, hotels,etc---that are being used for nothing other than entertainment, when that money could be going to people in actual need.


I think all the nastiness portrayed on tv shows is invasive--but charities asking for help? I don't think so.

edit to add: I personally DO LIKE when organizations show the hungry child,which yes, pulls at my heartstrings----how else do you think people get the message across at how desperate the poor are for financial/emotional/physical help?

Mother to the cutest little thing in the world...

[Scoop 0]

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edit to add: I personally DO LIKE when organizations show the hungry child,which yes, pulls at my heartstrings----how else do you think people get the message across at how desperate the poor are for financial/emotional/physical help?

Thats exactly what I dont like. Maybe im selfish but I do my own little bit for local community stuff. We all know the big name charities or local ones that are special to us and we will donate as and when we see fit. Not because I see some kid with flies on his face and a big bloated belly. That just makes me put on my arsehole head and say "bad luck fella" whilst I wolf down my pie & chips nurturing my own swollen belly

My Motto: Ask and ye shall receive. Beg and the masses shall tell thee to go fuck thyselves.

[rehmwa 2]

I really don't see how (the invasiveness of) attention getting methods relates at all to the worthiness of a charity. completely separate things.

If beating cancer is the greatest thing in the world, then you'd say the ACS would be justified in breaking down your front door and holding you down and shouting their pitch in your face? I mean, they are certainly deserving of the money that you'd just waste skydiving anyway.

What about assault and robbery - is it ok as long as the money goes to a deserving charity?

.....ok, those are pretty outlandish extrapolations, but still.......

Edit: nice gingerbreadman - it sets off your hair well

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[windcatcher 0]

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If beating cancer is the greatest thing in the world, then you'd say the ACS would be justified in breaking down your front door and holding you down and shouting their pitch in your face?

No, there is a difference between someone 'shouting a pitch' in your face, and an advertisement on tv with emotional music and a starving child in the background pulling on your heartstrings.
Also, I have seen many clips on the net of charities asking for donations...I believe the way to get the message across is to inform the public of needs that need to be met--how else will we remember to put down that cigarette/trashy mag/$900 shoes and actually give of ourselves???

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Edit: nice gingerbreadman - it sets off your hair well

thanks

Mother to the cutest little thing in the world...