It’s Christmas season, and regardless of religion many of our thoughts turn to charity. Many of us believe that from a moral perspective, we have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I completely agree with this perspective, and encourage any who can afford it to practice charity not just during this season, but all year round.

That being said, I’m also getting more critical as I get older, and this year I find myself asking “why” is charity. My students know I like to ask the “why” question a lot, especially when money is involved. It sounds a bit strange — “WHY is charity” — but I think the question is important.

Consider the possibility that “charity” may just be another cultural method inculcated by our society and culture to rationalize the fact that we have an unequal and inequitable society. Some people have a LOT more than others, typically not because of their hard work, but rather because of their fortunate position. Some people are born into generations of poverty and inequality, and have almost zero chance to get out of it. Hard work alone will not do it, or mothers working three jobs, 16 hours/day, 6-7 days a week would be the wealthiest people in society.

So if we are fortunate, we are told about our moral responsibility to help others. This is good, right? I believe the real answer is “yes, but…”

In fact, suggesting that we can solve poverty and inequality with charity is just another cover for those at the top to keep accumulating more money and power. The rich and corporations love this message — watch us as we give some of our “hard earned” money to charity. You should join us in giving some of your money to those less fortunate. You should feel GOOD about this, as we all contribute to a solution that will help these unfortunate members of our society (and world if you give widely enough).

The problem is, charity is in reality another of those “feel good” things that allow us to feel like we have made a contribution, and discourage us from looking at and pursuing the real problems. Charity is EASY. If you have $1000, give a few bucks. If you have a million, give a few thousand. And you can feel good about that (really, you can!)

But what if feeling good stops us from pursuing real solutions? Do you want to stop poverty and inequality in the US and the world, and work toward an equalitarian future? If so, charity alone is not the answer. GOVERNMENT action is required, and we, the people, need to drive that action. When we are convinced that our charity is helping, most of us turn to other things in our lives, and stop focusing on those less fortunate.

In our current system, our laws, rules, regulations and government are all set up to help the wealthy become more wealthy, and to keep generations in poverty (real and relative). What we SHOULD be doing is working toward a system of government that benefits EVERYONE, not just the wealthy. We need a government focused on fairness, transparency, equality and equity — not on maximizing profits, minimizing taxes and limiting regulations.

I and many others have made these arguments, but I think there is a direct link to charity here. Your personal charity is an excellent thing, and I don’t want to discourage it in any way. But if our charity ameliorates our conscience, and dampens our desire to fight for real social and economic justice, then it has served its purpose in our current society. And only a few people will really benefit from that.

As the Kinks taught us in Father Christmas:
Have yourself a merry merry Christmas
Have yourself a good time
But remember the kids who got nothin’
While you’re drinkin’ down your wine

Perhaps in this Christmas season, we should commit to continue the fight for something better for all. Raise a toast today and remember the kids who got nothin’ – and then tomorrow get up and do something about it.