Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I'm wary of posting this thread, but I did so anyway because I'm genuinely curious. Let's try not to embitter the board.
Now then, I [regretfully] asked my mother to whom she "gives back," and why. I also asked her who had ever "given" her anything. She really couldn't tell me, and I told her that I think the idea of "giving back" is absurd for that very reason. By her reaction, you would've thought I had just shown her my new Prince Albert. Instead, I suggested saying "giving," which garnered a horrific blank stare. <sigh> So I'm asking y'all. What does "giving back" really mean, if you've never really "gotten" anything from anyone? Why don't we say "giving"? |
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BANNED
I am worthless beyond hope. Join Date: May 2004
Location: Inner Swabia. If you have to ask twice, don't.
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riiiiight...
it is an idiom. |
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OK Mr. Sunshine!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Toronto
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I've always assumed that it means that we are all indebted to society, our families, etc. for what we have to some degree, so in helping others, we are "giving back". Something along those lines.
Of course, all I've gotten from society and my family so far are chronic fatigue and my first grey hairs at 25. Do not be oppressed by the forces of ignorance and delusion! But rise up now with resolve and courage! Entranced by ignorance, from beginningless time until now, You have had more than enough time to sleep. So do not slumber any longer, but strive after virtue with body, speech, and mind! |
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It stems from the traditional view that we owe those who taught us, raised us, etc. Parents, friends, society at large, deities (if you happen to be a theist), Jack Bauer… |
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Interesting.
Another question to think about: How has being/not being more or less "fortunate" contributed to your success or failure? I think "fortune" had very little, if nothing, to do with where I've gotten (which isn't all that far). But poor people, the unemployed, etc., are all said to be "less fortunate." Especially here in America (I just can't speak for other countries), most of us are born with many, many opportunities, and I think we all just choose to capitalize more or less on them. Thoughts? |
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Right Honourable Member
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BANNED
I am worthless beyond hope. Join Date: May 2004
Location: Inner Swabia. If you have to ask twice, don't.
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Antimatter Man
Join Date: May 2004
Location: that interweb thing
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Maybe it's just a physiological semantic misunderstanding...
Let's try substituting other body parts and see if it means more... Giving chest... nope Giving legs... nope Giving arms... nope Giving feet... nope Giving hand... maybe lend one, but I'd want it back. Giving blood... fits, but perhaps not the charity you meant. Giving skin... Soul version Giving face... Asian version Giving neck... nope Giving head... Ding Ding Ding!¡! Oh wait... wrong forum. And probably just as well you didn't ask your Mom about that. Ew. All those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand. Last edited by curiousuburb : 2008-05-22 at 16:10. |
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I am worthless beyond hope. Join Date: May 2006
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Worldwide, or in the U.S.? If talking about the issue from a worldwide standpoint, I'd agree that the average person who is born poor will die poor. It's certainly true for most of South America, Asia and Africa. But the U.S. offers massive opportunities for upward mobility for even its absolute poorest people. It's the poor kids who also have the misfortune of having miscreant parents who generally get shafted/left behind. |
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