Talk:Philanthropy

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The Butterfly Effect?

I'm sorry, but the last paragraph here, which cites a (horrible) Ashton Kutcher thriller and a Coca-Cola commercial intended to move product as legitimate examples of how good deeds can change society, is completely unconvincing. Well, Hailey Joel Osment did it in Pay It Forward, so that proves the argument's validity and Hollywood's push to create less materialism in the world! To the contrary, it just proves that some writer made up a heart-warming story intended to evoke pathos in the audience and thus sell more movie tickets.

Maybe I'm just being overly critical because I don't think this type of opinion piece belongs in any encyclopedia, Orthodox or otherwise. Anyone have some positive input (in contrast to my biting critisms) of how to improve this article? Gabriela 21:33, March 11, 2007 (PDT)

Well, I normally don't make "nitpicky" comments, but this article just goes beyond "nitpicky." The point of putting articles on Orthodoxwiki is to present subjects and issues from an Orthodox perspective. While much of the article, initially, succeeds in conforming to this standard, the last paragraph doesn't.
Hollywood promoting philanthropic mores while at the same time pumping images and themes that go against traditional values into American homes is about as logical as an alcoholic promoting responsible wine connoisseurship while chugging from a bottle of ripple. Also, I think it is hackneyed to use examples from Hollywood, especially movies which have no basis in reality and are just created to eject emotion from an audience, as Gabby said. Also, it is incredibly preachy. The article should offer an Orthodox perspective, not a homily. Therefore, in my humble opinion, the last paragraph needs serious modification.
Why not research contemporary Orthodox writers like Hopko or Schmemaan, and see if they have anything to say on philanthropy? Or one could simply cite examples of the modern age? St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) Bishop of Brooklyn is a great example in my opinion.Mike 09:51, March 12, 2007 (PDT)