Used for a Photo Op: Fair Treament or Exploitation?

[teggy]

If the needy are invited to a meal and cash, and they come. But no cash is given; however, they are fed and then given a ride back. Is that fair treatment, or exploitation? You decide. Please share your thoughts.

It had seemed such a good idea. Recycling tycoon Chen Guangbiao last week took out ads in American newspapers promising a first-rate meal at the Boathouse in Central Park and $300 each.
Guests were bused in and treated to a sit-down meal of seared tuna, filet mignon and seasonal berries, waited on by staff in suits and bow ties, but anger flared over the cash no-show.
As Chen spoke to a gaggle of Chinese journalists while dessert was being served, one guest started shouting.
“Don’t lie to the people!” Ernest St Pierre told AFP. “We came here for $300 but now he’s changed his tune.”
Chen announced through a translator that he was heading to the New York City Rescue Mission – which helped organize the lunch – and invited guests to join him there.
“This individual who’s filthy rich put it in the paper,” St Pierre, a former US Navy medic, told reporters.
Retired Vietnam War veteran Harry Brooks told reporters he would be “highly upset” if he didn’t get the cash, despite enjoying the food “very much.”
“I could use $300,” he said. “Clothing for one thing,” he said gesturing at his shabby attire when asked how he would spend it.
Not all guests were unhappy. Many said they enjoyed the food and called the experience “beautiful,” saying they were touched that someone had flown all the way from China wanting to help.

Quin Shabazz, 34, said he felt the homeless had been exploited and branded the lunch – covered by a mob of TV cameras and reporters – “a big publicity stunt.”
Al Johnson, 42, said he had been banking on the money to get his life together and go home to his family in Texas.
“This was going to change my life,” he said. “Fraud. This is fraud with a capital F,” he added. “I feel used for a photo op.”
Craig Mayes, executive director of the New York City Rescue Mission, was left to deny there had been any injustice.
“I’m really sorry. It was misrepresented in the paper,” he said.

Please read the full article for complete details, and context. Source

Personally, I feel the guests should have been given what was specifically promised in the ad that invited them. However, a heavy dose of gratitude was lacking. I would be glad to have a meal and being drive from/to the meal if nothing else.

[KKF]

Re: Used for a Photo Op: Fair Treament or Exploitation?

in our countries, during Ramadhan and on Eids, the professional faqeers ask for menu and ask for ride and ask for cash [eating charges]…OMG…what a non-sense! why people are so desperate to feed those professional beggars? why can’t they give money to charity or why can’t they give to their own needy relatives or people in their own neighbourhoods?

it’s advised to better seek out needy people who do not ask for help due to either their self-pride or due to their tawakkul ilallah.

we send money back home [zakaat and sadaqaas, fitra etc] to my sister in India who knows quite a few very genuine needy people who never ask for help. she also contributes to the treatment of very sick people and those who need help with their daughter’s marriages.

[queer]

Re: Used for a Photo Op: Fair Treament or Exploitation?

chen pai is hilarious. just saw him on tv. <3

[Southie]

Re: Used for a Photo Op: Fair Treament or Exploitation?

He should have given them the promised amount. As for lack of gratitude. If I were in the same situation as the poor who were bussed in, I would be pretty pissed. It is one thing if u stated upfront there will no cash. Give the folks a choice if they want to spend their entire day for one free meal.

While we look at them as getting a free ride to and fro and a free meal, the choice should be theirs whether they want to take up that offer. Maybe they are missing a days work which they can’t afford to. Or had other things to take care. Pretty presumptuous of us to assume the poor owe this person a thanks for the free meal for which they spent an entire day. We r not in their shoes with their real day to day budgeting problem.

As for not giving money to this who ask, there is no shame in asking for help when one needs it.