In this day and age, when profits are the driving force of our capitalist society, there are still companies that manage to have a heart and think of the other in times of need, bringing back concepts that were introduced by Aristotle many years ago. Concepts like the proper use of one’s property explored by Aristotle in his book Politics come to mind when looking at the article “United to transport supplies to Haiti” reported by Julie Johnsson with the help of Bruce Japsen, on the Chicago Tribune. The report stated that United Airlines together with Walgreens, Abbott Laboratories, and Baxter International, Inc. are going to offer relief to the people in Haiti.
The help which consists of water, food, medication, and hygiene products that will be transported by United Airlines to Port-au-Prince exemplifies Aristotle’s belief of property ownership. Aristotle believed that the best arrangement in society for ownership and usage of property is when property is privately owned, but its use is common. These companies are using their own resources and distributing them among people in need. Also, the article reported that pending visa issues with the government, United Airlines plans on transporting orphans back to the US where they can be treated and given a chance of safety. While some may argue that these actions of solidarity are not in the best interest of these companies, as well as the country, however my personal belief lies with Aristotle, we are all in the search for living the “good life,” and strides of humanity and charity can ensure that we as a race help each other achieve this common goal together.
Tatiane, your post is heartfelt. I totally agree that the devastation in Haiti and the response of the United Airlines and others to aid the people of Haiti is a good example of what Aristotle meant by using one's private property for common use. As I sit and think of God's creation (people) I truly believe that we were created to love, show love and be of service to our fellow man. Although, some choose to pursue insignificant things like an abundance of profit it is great to see others committing selfless acts. The bible says, "Contribute to the needs of God's people; pursue the practice of hospitality" (Romans 12:13).
ReplyDeleteI liked hearing about companies trying to make a difference in this society full of capitalistic views. It's refreshing to hear that United Airlines, Walgreens,and the other corporations mentioned are actually helping without looking to make a profit from it. Although, maybe thier motives aren't entirely heartfelt, but also have a deeper root or reason. In the long run, if people see these corporations helping Haiti in this time of extreme distress, people may be more inclined to patronize these businesses. Therefore, these seemingly heartfelt actions of the corporations may have a motive of profit in the future. Also, going back to Milton Friedman's idea, can a corporation perform heartfelt actions? Is the corporation like a person who makes heartfelt decisions? Overall, It's great that these companies are stepping up and helping without the motive of profit initially. Actually, I think it's a great idea for these companies to benefit from exposure without making direct profit from it and therefore making the relief effort counterproductive like some.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pleasant surprise to hear a story like this. However, it seems as though we only hear about them in times of major crisis. Apparently, the criteria for corporations stepping up and helping out includes 1) natural disaster 2) great loss of life. I believe we saw the same thing following Hurricane Katrina. Aquinas would argue that the distribution of wealth is a continuous process and shouldn't be initiated solely because of tragedy. I know there are millions of people here in the United States that are struggling financially. People are losing their jobs, their homes are being foreclosed on; it is the biggest recession since the Great Depression. Yet, I do not see Walgreens and United Airlines helping the people here that are being put out of their homes. Now, some may say that my comparison is not of the same scale; though, both are circumstances in which corporations could help people out.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it could be debated that these corporations are not doing these humanitarian deeds to be good Samaritans, but they are doing them just to improve their image, put their necks out there, and hopefully influence people enough to draw more business their way. Again, that is debatable. I hate to be so cynical, but these corporations will do anything to make themselves more marketable; in turn, making them more profitable in the process.
Very nice blog post and comments that follow it. It appears that humanity in general only steps in, in times of great need, but this can go hand in hand with Aristotle in helping those who do not have the necessaries to life. Once they have these necessaries humanity can go back to focusing on their private lives, concerning their wealth-getting, their own property, etc.
ReplyDeleteThese corporations are making efforts for the people is need, but we all know it's also aiding them in their own publicity. It makes them look like "the good guys" and that they're doing "their part," so what are we doing? It's just like marketing to use this against the consumer and pull us in. It's excellent that these corporations are helping in a way, but is that their real motive, it doesn't appear so.
Great story, thanks for sharing it with us. It is so nice to hear a feel-good story once in awhile. I could not help myself but to be skeptical. As one poster mentioned that if those corporations could help the people in Haiti, why not the people here with no income to support themselves and their families, if only their intentions were indeed to help those who in need. I guess one could argue the magnitude of the two are different, but one thing is clear that both are in need of help, and need help immediately. That is right, they would not have gotten the publicity that's needed if they were helping the jobless people here, so they would not make as huge of a profit they desired to make.
ReplyDeleteI would like to believe that there is still people with good character among us, that humanity still exists, that not everything is about making money, but the intentions and gestures by those corporations are always unclear and doubtful. It could be just me though.
I like that you found something positive about big companies like that. I am very careful in believing anything they say though... It is tough to imagine profiteering companies to actually give out without a potential profit opportunity in it for them. A further look into what exactly they are doing is, I think, needed before praise is handed out.
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