The Guilt Of Giving Is A Poem Written By

The Guilt Of Givingthe Guilt Of Giving Is A Poem Written By Laban Er

The Guilt of Giving The “guilt of giving” is a poem written by Laban Erapu. The poem focuses on how society looks down upon the less fortunate in the society. In the poem, Erapu points to a case of a person who gives a needy person a coin. Unluckily, the coin misses and falls on the ground. The man walks out quickly in shame from the people who were watching him.

The African author has contributed significantly to the development of literature in Africa, especially in the East African region. The reason for choosing this text is because society has deviated from the key purpose of giving. In many societies today, many people consider helping the poor as the government’s duty and not their personal responsibility. The effects are especially observable in third-world countries where there is a wide gap between the rich and the poor (Cook et al., 1). In most African regions, the economically well-off are often focused on accumulating more wealth rather than helping those living in absolute poverty to improve their circumstances.

In the poem, a central question arises: why should a person who is willing to help a needy individual feel guilty afterward? The author illustrates that when the coin misses its target and falls on the ground, the grateful needy person quickly retrieves it. Meanwhile, the donor disappears swiftly from the sight of the gathered crowd (Cook et al., 1). Despite the beggar’s appreciation, the giver feels an overwhelming guilt that causes him to hide in nearby shops. Normally, one would expect the helper to feel proud because the recipient acknowledged the aid; however, the guilt overshadows this sentiment, leading to feelings of shame and self-reproach.

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The poem “The Guilt of Giving” by Laban Erapu explores the complex emotional and social dynamics surrounding acts of charity and philanthropy. It comments on societal perceptions of giving, personal guilt, and the underlying cultural attitudes that influence acts of generosity. This analysis aims to interpret these themes, examining how the societal context and individual psychological experiences intersect to produce feelings of guilt even when giving is intended as an act of kindness.

At the outset, the act of giving in the poem appears straightforward: a person offers help to a needy individual with no expectation of reward. However, the subsequent feelings of guilt challenge this simplicity, revealing deeper societal and moral issues. The societal view that charity is a duty relegates the act from an act of altruism to an obligation, creating internal conflict within the giver. This internal conflict is amplified when the act does not go as planned — the coin misses the target, falls to the ground, and the helper feels shame rather than pride. This reaction suggests that societal expectations and personal identity are intertwined, shaping how generosity is perceived and experienced.

Interpretively, the poem raises questions about the cultural narratives surrounding giving. Is the societal rejection of personal charity rooted in a fear of vulnerability, shame, or a sense of inadequacy? The shame experienced by the giver could stem from internalized societal judgments that equate success in giving with moral superiority, and failure with moral failure. In this context, guilt acts as a social regulator, discouraging spontaneous acts of generosity and promoting a more transactional view of charity, where acknowledgment and recognition are expected and valued.

Moreover, the poem highlights the psychological burden of guilt associated with helping others. When the helper walks away in shame, it signifies the internalized conflict between societal expectations and personal emotions. This guilt may be exacerbated by the perception that aid is merely a duty, not a genuine act of compassion. Such internal conflict aligns with psychological theories that suggest guilt functions as a social emotion, guiding individuals’ behavior in accordance with societal norms (Tangney & Dearing, 2002). In this case, the guilt becomes a mechanism that suppresses authentic altruism, transforming acts of kindness into performances aimed at avoiding shame.

From a cultural perspective, the poem underscores a broader issue prevalent in many African societies where traditional values emphasize communal support and charity. However, modernization and economic disparities have altered these perceptions, leading to a perception of giving as an obligation rather than an act of genuine concern. This shift creates internal and external tensions for those who wish to help but are hindered by societal judgments and personal guilt. The poem reveals how these cultural tensions can inhibit spontaneous acts of kindness, fostering instead feelings of shame and guilt in donors.

Reinterpreting the poem within the framework of personal experience, one can see parallels in contemporary society where acts of charity are often performed with the expectation of recognition or gratitude. The guilt associated with unrecognized or unsuccessful acts of giving echoes how social validation influences altruistic behavior. When acts of kindness are not acknowledged or are misinterpreted, donors may feel unappreciated or ashamed, thus hindering future acts of generosity (Bekkers & Wiepking, 2011). This phenomenon suggests that fostering a culture of genuine altruism requires addressing the societal and psychological factors that induce guilt.

In conclusion, “The Guilt of Giving” can be understood as a critique of societal attitudes toward charity and the internal conflicts they engender. The poem demonstrates that genuine giving should be rooted in authentic compassion, free from societal pressures and personal guilt. To promote a culture of sincere altruism, it is vital to challenge the societal norms that equate giving with obligation and to foster internal values of empathy and generosity. Understanding the complex interplay between societal expectations, personal guilt, and altruism can help individuals and communities cultivate more compassionate and authentic acts of kindness.

References

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