This is not a trick question. Who is more likely to
lie, cheat, and steal; the poor person or the rich one? You’ll find some
answers in an article by Daisy Grewal published in the Scientific
American on April 10, 2012 that referenced numerous studies. The
article says it’s tempting to think that the wealthier you are, the more
likely you are to act fairly and think about what others may need. But
research suggests the opposite is true: as people climb the social
ladder, their compassionate feelings towards other people decline.
With Warren Buffet’s “Giving Pledge” encouraging billionaires to
pledge at least 50 percent of their wealth to philanthropy or charity,
we might think all wealthy people are altruistic. Forbes reported 1826
billionaires in the world this year and Buffet’s pledge has only been
adopted by 137 billionaires. Less than 14% of the world’s wealthiest
people are willing to give away 50% of a wealth that is measured in
thousands of millions of dollars. Does that poorest billionaire with
only one billion dollars, which is one thousand million dollars; really need that second 500 million dollars to be happy? Apparently yes.
Berkeley psychologists Paul Piff and Dacher Keltner ran studies
looking at whether social class, as measured by wealth, occupational
prestige, and education influences how much we care about the feelings
of others. In one study they discreetly observed the behavior of
drivers at a busy four-way intersection. They found that luxury car
drivers were more likely to cut off other motorists instead of waiting
for their turn at the intersection. This was true for both men and women
upper-class drivers, regardless of the time of day or the amount of
traffic at the intersection.
Keltner and his colleagues
published studies looking at how social class influences feelings of
compassion towards people who are suffering. One study found that less
affluent individuals are more likely to feel compassion for others.
They are more likely to agree with statements such as, “I often notice
people who need help,” and “It’s important to take care of people who
are vulnerable.” Previous research had shown upper class individuals are
worse at recognizing the emotions of others. Did you think the
wealthiest would be the most giving and the neediest the most selfish?
There is speculation that wealth and abundance may give us a sense of
freedom and independence from others. This self-focus can combine with
the fact that upper-class people may be more likely to endorse the idea
that “greed is good.” These attitudes can predict participants’
likelihood of engaging in unethical behavior.
I was not
surprised to find who had “fudged” the facts on the Mullett Township
MNRTF Grant application. With that application denied, their Christmas socks are as empty and barren as the concrete under the Topinabee Christmas tree.
We may have a dearth of billionaires in Cheboygan County, but we do
have the same growing inequalities in incomes found across the country.
There are the lakeshore associations and the locals employed to cut
their lawns, install the docks, and serve the meals when they dine out.
There are the wealthier retirees with defined benefit pensions or plump
501Ks and retirees subsisting on Social Security and part-time work
trying to make ends meet.
There are of course exceptions to
every rule and many in our communities, wealthy or not, have hearts
bigger than any purse. At the December Mullett Board meeting in
Topinabee, that “Small Community With A Big Heart”, Supervisor Gale
stated she would no longer allow “non-employees” to decorate the
Topinabee Library for Christmas. Non-employees? Those remarks insult
every volunteer that picked up a shovel, carried a ladder, coached a
youth team, served a meal, picked up trash,
or those thousands of other deeds done freely by those of us with hearts
and minds open to helping. Supervisor Gale also apparently found fault
with the Topinabee Library float in the Indian River Christmas Parade.
All volunteered time, materials, and equipment and that is the thanks
she gives? Why would any elected official thwart grass roots volunteers
who take action without the need for organizations, meetings, and award
banquets?
When communities find that grass-roots volunteerism
has died, point the finger at people like Supervisor Gale who helped
kill it off. There is no place for Mrs Scrooge in Topinabee. I’ll turn
my back on our local scrooges and wish everyone who has given selflessly
of their time or resources a blessed and Merry Christmas and a
prosperous New Year.
