“Pathological altruism can be conceived as behavior in which attempts to promote the welfare of another, or others, results instead in harm that an external observer would conclude was reasonably foreseeable.” Oakley, editor of “ Pathological Altruism, Magatte goes on to say, “It does more harm than good.” That statement is the base definition of pathological altruism from Barbara A. And here we are a generation later and the same song, the same images are back with the same lyrics, the same silliness of Africa as not having any rain, not having any river, and us Africans not knowing that it’s Christmastime.” But it also perpetuates a false image of Africa as barren and a sentimental image of Africans as helpless and dependent. “The Christmas song raised awareness and it was in response to a particular crisis. Magatte Wade, a Senegalese entrepreneur interviewed in the eye-opening and educational “ Poverty, Inc.” says, regarding the altruistic attempts of musicians in both 1984 (Band-Aid) and 2011 (Glee), Musicians (Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats and Bono of U2 as well as members of Glee for example) can be highly influential altruists with good intentions that might knowingly or innocently shade into pathology. Let us take a look at an example that most of you will recognize: Poverty eradication through entertainment industry star power and influence. For more on this, see “ Altruism Gone Mad” by Joachim I. With the exponential increase in technological community and global outreach, this dynamic can grow far beyond the boundaries of one’s immediate circle of influence practically uninhibited. These highly charismatic individuals can project an almost messianic air, which spreads throughout the entire community. Just one maladaptive altruist can wipe out the disruptive advantage of opportunity by manipulating innovators and mavericks into cooperative followers. Their very presence and ability to organize and foster cooperation benefits the collective community even if better opportunities exist for individuals. Pathological altruists are masters at mustering social loyalty, obedience, and fealty. However, introducing a pathological altruist into the dilemma can wreak havoc in the cultural dynamics of small, tight-knit communities. It goes like this: Even when it seems to be in the best interest of two rational individuals to cooperate, wherein those individuals are presented with a choice between opportunity (defection) and responsibility (cooperation), it’s often difficult to come to a cooperative agreement because each person also benefits unilaterally from opportunity. I’ll address how this corresponds with our current world situation, but let’s take a brief look at the prisoner’s dilemma. Obviously, the line between healthy and unhealthy practice can be extremely thin. Everything has been gamified in order to gain that chemical advantage in perceived competition with self and/or others. Study after study has shown that marketing, media programming, propaganda, gaming, social media, news cycles, and the endless debates that result from the onslaught of sanctimony, bias, and opinion in these mediums can be a source of emotional addiction, as well as somatic and psychological ills plaguing society. However, people can also become addicted to the biological stimulants produced by neurological signals. Addicted to the Good of AllĪddiction is a problem most of us understand when talking about drugs. One might also argue that it is a selfish act, as these neurological benefits are actually releasing compounds and chemicals into your brain to make you feel good. Studies have shown there are neurological benefits for people to participate in acts of kindness, love, philanthropy, mutual aid, and charity. This subject has a direct connection to our current trajectory of policy and reaction to the pandemic.īut first, let’s quickly explore what altruism is and how it influences society.Īltruism–healthy altruism–benefits society in many positive ways and is ingrained in Western philosophy and ethics. When you think of altruism, what readily comes to mind? Charity, giving, love, kindness, and humanitarian progress, right? What if I were to tell you that altruism has a dark, secret pathology that has driven some of the worst, and most horrific acts humanity has experienced historically? It’s a difficult revelation for some, but necessary for what I’m about to discuss.
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