Saviorism vs. Interdependence: Two Opposing Views of Charity

Saviorism

- Comes from a place of paternalism, outside and "above" those being helped

- Does important things for people

- Is often a short-term project

- Benefits a few

- Relieves crisis

- Inspires pity/gratitude and emotional debt

- Examples: food banks, toy drives, homeless shelters, foster care 


Interdependence

- Comes from a place of belonging, humility, and reciprocity

- Does important things with people

- Requires continued, active participation from all parties

- Benefits everyone

- Prevents crisis

- Inspires mutual respect and social equality

- Examples: lending libraries, clothing exchanges, community gardens, fictive kinship


[Note: I'm not saying that everything in the "saviorist" column is inherently bad, only that none of it provides long-term solutions.]

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