The Aristocracy

and charity
Heather Pentecost

I know it's supposed to be kind, but I can think of

better ways to help the needy than sending stiff
collars to the equator."
-Branson

Why does this matter?

Organizations
like the YMCA
(1844) and
Salvation Army
(1865) imply that
Christian ethics
motivated all
charity
Instead, social
pressures
inspired
philanthropy

Within Downton Abbey

Mrs. Bird starts a soup
kitchen
Isobel Crowley works with
former prostitutes
The estate funds a hospital
We all need crossing
sweepers and draymen. It
doesnt mean we have to
dine with them. -Lady
Mary

Recall Lady Astor?

A kind woman, but unaware of the real needs
I think Ill take the maids some lace collars
and cuffs back as a present (127)
Ive never heard of a Christian Science
mission to help the sick, undernourished and
deprived. It lacks what is to me the
cornerstone of any faith: charity. (323)

Possible Motivations
Genuine
goodwill
A desire to
leave a mark
on the world
Societal
pressures

Parallels to today?
Aid circles employ the cynical acronym SWEDOW (stuff we
dont want) to describe initiatives like Jason Sadlers 1
Million T-Shirts project
Celebrity fact-finding trips and adoptions
Paternalistic views of the Global South
Americans are extremely generous (but why?!)
Individuals donated $217 billion to charities in 2011

http://matadornetwork.com/change/7-worst-international-aid-ideas/#Ft6H6tbZUQd79Sok.99
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2010/03/africa-celebrities-madonna-oprah-brangelina-george-clooney
http://www.nptrust.org/philanthropic-resources/charitable-giving-statistics/?/philanthropy/philanthropy_stats.asp