Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cheonmunka]

I was curious lately upon reading about Bill Gates' philanthropy. But, let's put it another way.
The average 30 year old American may have for example 200.000 dollars of assets. One day he or she gives a beggar on the street one dime.
That same miserly ten cents given by Bill Gates with an asset value of 50 billion dollars, percantage-wise based on his assets, means he just gave the beggar 25 thousand dollars.
So, how much on a percentage point will Bill Gates give when the young man or woman gives a little food money of 1000 won to the beggar?
Yep, a cool 250.000 dollars.

I heard that the wealthy often give donations for their favorite charities to support the arts et al. Less so do they support the real low down people in society. But even then, we hear sometimes how the very wealthy do give huge hand-outs of 10 million dollars to charities. But, what is that in reality? It's only an equivalency of 40 dollars for the average American.

My point?
Let's not make too big of a deal out of, give too much credence to, or raise a sigh of happiness when you hear how one of the rich makes a philanthropic gesture.

[RACETRAITOR]

A lot of these people like Bill Gates earn a profit based on people's image of them. Thus, giving some money to charity is good for business, as it makes people think of them as philanthropes.

[bobbyhanlon]

in general i agree totally with what you say, but bill gates is a bad example here i think. he's pledged to give almost all his money away, and has already begun doing that. warren buffett too is joining him; so i think those two in particular deserve every bit of praise they get.
sadly, for every bill gates, there's a hundred billionaires who give a few measly grand to get in the newspapers, or buy a couple of overpriced paintings to donate to an art museum that will name the place after them.