There is a curious phenomena that has me flummoxed. I've noticed a trend on Facebook, for the last couple of years that I just don't understand.
It's this trend of, "I want something, help me fund it." I'm a photographer by profession and there is always something new and exciting that comes out, a new body, a new lens, a new lighting system. More than once I have seen people post a Go Fund Me, or an "event" on Facebook, asking people for money to help purchase their latest want, be it a camera body or a cosplay outfit. I don't get it. These are wants, not needs. These things are not life and death requirements.
A few years back, two friends within a matter of days both suffered fires in their homes. Fires that left them without a place to live, without furniture, without clothing. Good people started Go Fund's for these friends and I was happy to help them. Their basic necessities of life were gone, they needed help.
When I broke both of my arms nearly four years ago, we were thankfully insured. Insurance paid for most of my expenses, but at the same time there were still deductibles and co-pays to the hospital, to specialists, to physical therapists and the pharmacy. Because of how complicated insurance reimbursement policies are, we waited out making the final payments to the hospital to see what was covered and what wasn't. In all, close to $1,500 was not covered by insurance and had to be covered by me. Being a stay-at-home mom means that we need to watch our budget, and so I got on the phone with the hospital and made a budget payment plan with them to pay for these expenses. It was a lot easier to pay them $100 a month and they were happy to be able to get their money any way possible. I never in my wildest dreams would have asked people to pay my medical expenses, I had too much personal pride.
Yet, people put themselves out there, asking for money for something that isn't necessary to their vital existence. When I see these posts, I can't help but think, "Don't you have any personal pride?" What happened to earning the money, saving the money, waiting until you can afford your want?
It seems that personal pride is a dying virtue and that saddens me to no end.
