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> Why are we so fond of these narratives? Because some people believe in that kind of remedy for these problems. I'm being a bit reductive, but there are basic
by dvt 10y ago
> Why are we so fond of these narratives?
Because some people believe in that kind of remedy for these problems. I'm being a bit reductive, but there are basically two ways of solving social problems like homelessness: (a) everyone is forced to chip in (e.g. taxes) or (b) citizens make society better by their own volition (e.g. donations, volunteering).
I see the merit of (a), but I like the idea of (b) a lot more.
- alphonsegaston 10y agoI think liking the idea of individuals fixing social problems of their own volition when more boring, collective systems are more efficient (as evidenced by Western European societies) is kind of the issue in itself. There's this narrative bias towards enjoying a monkey patch of a social ill (homemade mobile laundromat), when some boring solution might be more effective (e.g. housing first like in Utah). I'm not sure if it's our entertainment-driven culture or a more complex set of biases. But it's odd how often we'll veer around demonstrably workable solutions in favor of something more flashy. It's as if the pursuit of an ongoing spectacle is more important than achieving a good end.
- michaelt 10y agoI like the idea of (b) a lot more. It's a nice idea - but anyone who believes citizens should be making such donations is surely already making them - and yet our problems still exist. Doesn't that rather imply the average person isn't as charitable as would be needed?
- dvt 10y ago> Doesn't that rather imply the average person isn't as charitable as would be needed? Yep, I think it does :( So (a) might be a better pragmatic solution.